STATEHOUSE (May 9, 2023) – Indiana will soon rollout a new pilot program to help reduce fatalities and crashes in active highway work zones, according to State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie).
According to state and federal transportation data, in 2019, Indiana recorded 15 deaths, 824 injuries and about 2,800 crashes in worksites. Last year, those numbers increased to 31 deaths, 1,426 injuries and more than 7,000 crashes.
That's why Pressel, chair of the House Roads and Transportation Committee, said he authored legislation to setup automated speed enforcement cameras in four active highway worksites in the state to slow drivers down and save lives. According to Pressel, drivers will start seeing the new technology in about a year.
"Through this camera technology, other states have successfully reduced speed in work zones, promoted work zone safety, and improved driver behavior," Pressel said. "This is an important step for Indiana and I look forward to lives being saved because of it."
Indiana now joins at least 10 other states, including Pennsylvania and Maryland, legislatively authorizing speed cameras to be utilized in highway work or construction zones. After adopting a pilot camera program in 2020, Pennsylvania reported a 17.2% reduction in speeding using cameras in work zones.
Citations will be issued to those traveling at least 11 miles over the work zone speed limit with workers present. Civil penalties for offenses caught on camera include a written warning for the first violation, a $75 fine for the second violation and a $150 fine for the third violation. Pressel said photos will only be taken of the rear of the vehicle to capture the license plate, and not be used beyond the purpose of issuing speeding citations unless authorized by court order. Red light cameras will continue to be prohibited.
Pressel said to gauge the pilot program's effectiveness, key data on the number of accidents, injuries and violations issued will be reported to legislators by 2028.
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State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) represents House District 20,
which includes portions of LaPorte and Starke counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
