During April, the Pennsylvania State Police will be hiding in construction vehicles as part of "Operation Orange Squeeze" on the Pennsylvania Turnpike. This initiative aims to curb dangerous driving in work zones.
The big picture: This effort is in response to numerous crashes and risky driving in work zones. Last year, 176 crashes were reported, leading to two deaths and 48 injuries.
- Under Title 75, Section 3326, driving over 11 mph above the speed limit in these zones can cost you your license for 15 days.
- Fines for traffic violations are doubled in active work zones.
Why it matters: Work zone safety is crucial with many Turnpike workers laboring in the field to keep roads safe for all drivers.
Since this program started nearly ten years ago, over 430 citations and about 400 warnings have been issued to improve driver awareness reported a press release by PA Turnpike.
What to expect: April coincides with National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Paul Miller’s Law, banning hand-held devices while driving, kicks in on June 5, 2025.
The actions taken through "Operation Orange Squeeze" are designed to protect both workers and drivers and to reduce the number of serious incidents on the Turnpike.