Construction Zone Driving

 Posted on February 28, 2018 in Traffic Violations

Many drivers consider road construction a major inconvenience because it slows traffic and makes getting around much more difficult for them. However, it is important to drive with great care when entering and traveling through construction areas as penalties for speeding and other infractions in work zones are much more severe.

Know the Rules of the Road … That Are under Construction

Illinois added more severe penalties to construction zone traffic violations in response to an increase in accidents that resulted in injuries to and the deaths of construction workers. Drivers should be aware of the following to ensure they understand the all that construction zone driving requires.

• Workers DO NOT need to be present in order to be in violation of work zone traffic laws. In many cases, reduced speed limits are enforced due to the narrowing of lanes or implementation of irregular lane patterns.
• Construction Zone speed limit signs must be posted, but flashing lights on these signs are no longer required as part of the implementation.
• Court Appearance is MANDATORY for drivers who receive a ticket for speeding in a marked construction zone.
• The laws forbidding talking and texting on hand-held cell phones in Illinois also apply to motorists in construction zones. Although this seems like common sense, law enforcement officials report continued use of hand-held devices on the roads.
• Speeding in a construction zone in Illinois now carries severe fines. The minimum fine for a first offense is $375.
• Causing an accident while speeding in the work zone may result in the driver losing their license to a suspension.
• If a driver unintentionally causes the death of another person, commonly referred to as reckless homicide, while driving in work zone the offense is elevated from a Class 3 to a Class 2 felony, and may result in a prison term of three to 14 years.

Rely on a Knowledgeable Arlington Heights Traffic Violation Defense Attorney

Speeding, driving recklessly and violating other traffic laws while traveling through a construction zone in Illinois is considered a very serious offense. Drivers who receive citations for construction zone traffic violations face serious and expensive consequences if convicted. Contacting an experienced Illinois traffic citation defense attorney to help you answer the citation is a good way find potential options for minimizing any consequences. Scott F. Anderson, Attorney at Law, applies experience and helpful resources to aid clients facing such situations. Call 847-253-3400 as soon as possible to schedule a free initial consultation and learn how their practical experience can help you pursue strategies that may result in minimal fines and punishment.

Sources:

https://idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Travel-Information/Pamphlets-&-Brochures/WorkZone%20IL%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

http://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_a270.pdf