New law makes work zones safer

Thanks to Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels' innovative Major Moves initiative, Hoosier highways are being built and repaired at an unprecedented pace. Major Moves is fueling economic growth and providing jobs across Indiana. Unfortunately, some of the workers benefiting from Major Moves are also put in harm's way when drivers act carelessly in highway work zones.

On July 1, a new law will take effect that lays out tougher penalties for motorists who drive recklessly through our highway work zones. The first time a driver is cited for speeding in a work zone, they'll face a $300 dollar fine. If drivers still don't get the message to slow down, they'll be fined $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense. Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may find themselves paying a $10,000 fine, or even serving time behind bars.

This law isn't only about protecting our highway workers. It's about protecting you and your loved ones as well. Four out of five people killed in highway work zones are motorists. Just last year, 14 people were killed and 636 were injured in Indiana's highway work zones. Most of those were motorists.

Let's thank our Indiana legislators for making your safety and the safety of our Hoosier highways a top priority. And, thank you for driving safely through our highway work zones as Indiana makes Major Moves by building roads and creating jobs.

Mike Monahan, INDOT LaPorte District

Deputy Commissioner