State police urge caution during construction season

Spring is in the air and so too will be the sound of workers overhauling Indiana roads.

According to the Indiana Department of Transportation there are more than $1.5 billion in new highway projects slated to begin construction throughout the state. This will create the need for numerous construction zones throughout Indiana.

Reckless driving in construction areas is extremely dangerous. In 2010, 12 people died and 602 people were injured in work zone crashes throughout Indiana.

In an effort to reduce deaths and injuries in work zones, the Indiana State Police have assigned troopers to work overtime in construction zones to enforce traffic laws. If motorists are stopped for a traffic infraction in a construction zone, police say they should expect to be issued a citation.

State police said motorists should be warned that drivers convicted of speeding or reckless driving in a work zone will face steeper fines and penalties.

Signs posted in most work zones warn speeding drivers of fines up to $1,000. Reckless or aggressive drivers can face fines up to $5,000.  Drivers who cause injury or death to a highway worker can face up to 8 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.