DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — We are in the midst of National Work Zone Awareness Week and state police are reminding drivers about the rules of the road when entering an active work zone.
On Wednesday in York County, three construction workers were killed in an active work zone crash.
It's a tragic reminder at the start of construction season to follow the rules in active work zones.
That's why PennDOT and state police are encouraging drivers to use extra caution when driving in a work zone to keep everyone safe.
The rush of everyday traffic can turn dangerous when these orange signs go up.
That is why PennDOT and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) are reminding drivers at the start of the spring season, to pay attention in construction zones on the road.
"Our people are dedicated to making sure the system that we use and rely on every day is safe and reliable, and we owe it to them to make sure their workspace which is out in the field out in the roads, is also safe and reliable so they can get home to their family as well," said PennDOT District 4 Executive Richard Roman.
When entering an active road work zone, to keep yourself and the construction crew safe, follow the work zone laws.
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"They're going to have to slow down, they're going to have to drive within the speed limit in the work zone and be attentive. You may be approaching a work zone, and it says turn on your headlights, we wanna make sure you do that," Roman explained.
PSP will continue to monitor work sites with their partnership with PennDOT called Operation Yellow Jacket.
"Our troopers are stationed in PennDOT vehicles monitoring traffic for vehicle infractions such as speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving," said PSP Trooper Bob Urban.
In 2023, under Operation Yellow Jacket, troopers initiated 136 traffic stops which resulted in 133 citations and 46 warnings.
"Upon spotting these violations, our troopers communicate by radio with stationary Pennsylvania State Police patrol vehicles along the highway to conduct traffic stops," Trooper Urban explained.
The message is clear: "Work zones are temporary. Actions behind the wheel can last forever."
