Speeding in Work Zones Taking a Deadly Road Toll

A record number of people are being killed in highway work zones as motorists speed through construction areas — confused, frustrated or both by ever-increasing miles of narrow lanes and orange cones. State transportation officials are trying to curb dangerous driving around the work sites. In Illinois, road signs written in a child’s hand read, ”Please slow down, my daddy works here.” Just so motorists get the message, another sign lists the number of speeding tickets that police have written at the work zone. State transportation officials are doubling fines for speeding; requiring that more work be done at night when traffic is lighter; installing more message signs to warn motorists about the work and offer alternatives; putting concrete barriers between the traffic and the workers; trying to keep all lanes open through a work zone to keep traffic moving; and even closing a road entirely in order to speed construction along.