To address the alarming rate of construction work zone crashes in Washington state, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and Washington State Patrol have implemented a new Work Zone Speed Camera Program. The cameras, set to launch in late February, will be strategically positioned in active work zones across the state, monitoring for speeding violations. Offenders will receive citations with escalating fines, with proceeds supporting safety programs and DUI patrols. This initiative aims to protect both state workers and the traveling public, as collisions and injuries in work zones are on the rise.
Washington averages more than 1,300 construction work zone crashes every year, according to Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT officials said speeding was a leading cause of construction work zone crashes, sometimes ending in death or critical injuries.
On Wednesday, WSDOT and Washington State Patrol introduced the new Work Zone Speed Camera Program to protect state workers and the traveling public."These cameras are for everyone’s safety," said Julie Meredith, Secretary of Transportation. "Too many workers have been killed or injured, and statistics show drivers are not slowing down."When the system officially launches at the end of February, the cameras will be mounted on a trailer and will rotate through active work zones across the state.The cameras will detect speeding cars, take pictures of the license plates, and note the location, time, date, and posted speed limit. The information will go to state patrol to review the images. If investigators believe there is a violation, they will send a ticket to the car’s registered owner.Meredith explained the first offense is at no cost."But after that, each infraction will cost you $248. Every dollar received supports the program’s cost. Funds will be used for safety programs and DUI patrols by Washington State Patrol," said Meredith.Meredith said this program could not come at a more critical time for Washington road safety, as collisions and injuries are rising."In the first 10 months of 2024 where we have statistics, we have 42 work zone crashes that killed or seriously injured people. And that’s more than we had in all of 2023," said Meredith.Signs will be put in place approaching the work zone to alert drivers to slow down.The camera system is by Elovate, a company that specializes in automated traffic enforcement solutions. Company representatives said the camera system is a worthy investment in increasing safety. The rep said, "Everywhere we have put these systems, we’ve had a reduction in speeders."One camera will be in operation at the end of the month. WSDOT will add two more cameras in the spring and will expand to six over the summer. Officials said the goal is to have 15 cameras in operation by 2027, rotating in different work zones where speed is an ongoing problem.Politics: WA Senate passes changes to parental rights in educationLocal: Japan Airlines plane clips tail of Delta plane at Sea-TacTravel: Here's when you'll need REAL ID to get through US airport securityFood: New restaurants coming to Seattle in 2025To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily Fox Seattle Newsletter.Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national coverage, plus 24/7 streaming coverage from across the nation.
WORKZONE SAFETY SPEEDING TICKETS WASHINGTON STATE CONSTRUCTION CRASHES TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
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