The purpose of highway construction is to maintain roads and highways in the interest of public safety. To prevent car accidents, construction workers put up warning signs, traffic devices, and other noticeable barriers. However, a speeding or distracted driver can easily crash into equipment or rear-end slower vehicles.
There are 4 common causes of work zone accidents:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Ignoring construction signs
- Failing to merge
According to the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA), there were 799 reported work zone fatalities in 2017. This alarming national statistic doesn’t even include the survivors who sustained life-changing injuries and disabilities. In 2018, there were 781 work zone crashes just in New York, which resulted in 13 fatalities and 329 injuries.
To counter this statistic, the New York State Police Department is joining forces with the New York State Department of Transportation for Operation Hard Hat, an undercover operation to catch speeding and distracted drivers in highway work zones. The officers are dressing as construction workers and operating on the following mantra: “slow down, move over, and put away your smartphones.”
The NYSDOT wants to remind drivers that “motorists are required to move over a lane if safely possible for vehicles along the road displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights. This includes emergency responders, tow trucks, and highway construction and maintenance vehicles. Failure to comply will result in significant civil and possible criminal penalties.”
Over 100 drivers have already been ticketed in Operation Hardhat. The operation was first tested in the Rochester area, but officials are planning other target points across the state. In New York, a speeding or distracted driving ticket can result in substantial fines, insurance surcharges, points on your driving record, and potential license revocation. The only way to protect your driving privileges is to retain the services of an experienced traffic violations lawyer.
Schedule a Case Evaluation Today
Contact the traffic violations attorney at Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C. if you’re ready to challenge your ticket. Attorney Kron is a former New York City traffic court judge who knows the tricks of the trade. He can represent your interests in court and utilize innovative strategies to secure a favorable case result that protects your driving privileges.
Contact Martin A. Kron & Associates, P.C. at (212) 235-1525 to schedule a consultation. We provide our services to clients in New York and New Jersey.