Latest news with #constructionzones
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Speed enforcing cameras helping save lives in Washington County
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/FOX24) — Act 707 was passed in August 2023 by the Arkansas legislature, and now the new law is paying dividends statewide. The act made Arkansas one of 28 states that use speeding cameras to issue citations and warnings in construction zones across the state. However, it's one of three states that has a stipulation stating that a police officer must be present. One of those cameras is located across work zones on Interstate 49 in parts of Washington County. The portable camera system is moved, sometimes daily, to different areas depending on the need. According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, as of September 2024, there was a decrease of 40% in all automobile accidents across I-49. Additionally, there were 3,628 warnings and 515 citations issued over that span. Chief of Arkansas Highway Police, Jeff Holmes, said their number one priority is safety, not to write people tickets. 'The statistics speak for themselves. You know, just in the 49, work zone, you know, 40% decrease in crashes, and the unique thing about it has been mostly with warnings,' Holmes said. 'So, it's not a lot of take. It's not about making money. It's about just officers being out there educating and slowing traffic down, just being there. Just getting the word out and slowing everybody down.' The idea to pass the law came after Arkansas saw a 109% increase in speeding-related fatalities between 2014-2023. The overall traffic fatality number went from 470 to 596, according the ARDOT. District Four Engineer with ARDOT, Jason Hughey, said that he hopes the state can provide more camera systems in the future, but the best way to cut down on automobile crashes is for people to be aware of the dangers of speeding. 'It would be nice to have it at every construction zone, but practically, that's not feasible. We're going to have a new ad campaign coming up shortly to emphasize to the public, get the word out through TV ads, radio ads, social media ads, just to let people know that please slow down in these construction zones,' Hughey said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
29-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
California bill seeks to place speed cameras in road construction zones
A bill under consideration in the California legislature aims to prevent Caltrans worker deaths and injuries, by placing automated speed cameras in highway construction zones. Assembly Bill 289 by Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) would establish a pilot program that would place cameras at up to 75 construction zones in the state. Haney spoke about the measure at a news conference off Interstate 80 near Davis on Wednesday, surrounded by construction workers. "This bill is about saving lives and it's about valuing the workers who risk their lives to build California's infrastructure," he said. Haney discussed the danger highway construction workers face on the job, noting that 9,500 crashes took place in the state's work zones in 2021, leading to 73 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries. In 2023, there were more than 100 vehicle intrusions into highway work sites, which led to injuries and even deaths. "This isn't just tragic, it's preventable. And we have a responsibility to fix it and protect both workers and drivers," Haney added. Haney also noted the success of a pilot program that placed speed enforcement cameras in several cities, including San Francisco. "Speeds are going down, crashes are being reduced and behavior is changing," he said. According to the text of the measure, speeding drivers would face fines starting at $50 for driving 11 to 15 miles per hour above the posted speed limit, with increasing fines for higher violations. Drivers caught going 100 mph or faster in a work zone would receive a fine of $500. Haney said the bill includes fine reductions and payment plans for lower-income drivers. The bill prohibits the speed cameras from using facial recognition and limits data use. If approved, California would join 16 other states that have already placed speed cameras in work zones. Haney said Maryland and Pennsylvania, which already have the cameras in construction zones, have seen dramatic reductions in speeding and crashes. AB289 has passed out of three Assembly committees with bipartisan support and is headed to the Assembly floor.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Speed cameras will fine drivers on NYC bridges, tunnels
NEW YORK CITY (PIX11) – Speed cameras will soon monitor construction zones on New York City's bridges and tunnels, thanks to a law signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul. The law was part of Hochul's 2026 state budget, which was adopted last week. It allows the MTA to install cameras on bridges and tunnels to automatically ticket speeding drivers. The cameras will temporarily monitor no more than nine work zones at a time. More Local News It's an expansion of the state's existing Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement program that fines drivers up to $100 for speeding through construction areas. 'Governor Hochul has said since day one of this budget process that public safety is her top priority,' said a spokesperson for Hochul's office. 'Expanding this successful program to MTA Bridges and Tunnels is one more way the Governor is working to improve safety on our roads and bridges for workers and travelers alike.' Under the program, drivers are charged $50 for their first violation, $75 for their second violation within 18 months, and $100 for more violations within 18 months. Drivers could also see late fees. Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter who has covered New York City since 2023 after reporting in Los Angeles for years. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
