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Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) will soon monitor work zones on the Pennsylvania Turnpike from construction vehicles as part of "Operation Orange Squeeze." This initiative, starting in April, aims to curb unsafe driving behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. Last year, there were 176 crashes in active work zones on the Turnpike, resulting in two deaths and 48 injuries.
As part of the operation, troopers will use radar from construction vehicles to track speeding vehicles. Once identified, they will relay the vehicle's information to another trooper stationed ahead to initiate a traffic stop. Drivers caught speeding 11 mph or more over the limit in work zones face an automatic 15-day license suspension. Additionally, fines for traffic violations in these areas are doubled.
The initiative coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month and is part of a broader effort to improve work zone safety. According to the PA Turnpike Commission, "Safety has always been and will always be a key part of our culture." The success of previous operations has led to increased enforcement efforts.
The program is expected to remind drivers of the importance of slowing down and paying attention in work zones. Officials hope that these efforts will reduce accidents and improve safety for both drivers and workers on the Turnpike.