Road Workers Uneasy after Recent Deaths

Illinois has tried, boosting the fine for work zone speeding from $150 to $200 this year and erecting signs written in a child’s scrawl that carry messages such as, “Slow down. My mommy works here.” But construction season remains hazardous in Illinois. After jumping from 17 fatalities in 1999 to 38 in 2000, deaths among motorists and workers in construction zones have remained roughly steady. There were 36 in 2001 and 31 in 2002. The governor has now called for steeper fines: $500 for speeding in a construction zone and $500 for reckless driving. Repeat offenders would pay at least $1,000. The governor also appointed a task force of transportation officials to review safety procedures and recommend changes for work zones by Thanksgiving.