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Apr 08
“Work Zone Safety High Visibility Enforcement Campaign” Begins in South Carolina

The 2005 Work Zone Safety High Visibility Enforcement Campaign is a joint partnership of the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS), the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), local law enforcement agencies, the SC Law Enforcement Networks, Carolinas Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the SC Municipal Association.

SCDOT and law enforcement agencies joined forces during a news conference April 8, 2005, to announce stepped up enforcement of speeding laws in work zones across South Carolina. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)

At a news conference Friday, April 8, in Columbia, federal, state and local officials launched the campaign aimed at improving work zone safety and lowering fatalities. The news conference launched the first of four "blitz waves" for the high visibility enforcement effort planned during the next seven months.

"Effective immediately, law enforcement will be present in work zones to heighten awareness of driving behavior and to enforce the speed laws of our state in this dangerous work environment," said James Schweitzer, Director of the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. "If you speed in a work zone in South Carolina, you will be ticketed."

During the past five years, almost 10,000 traffic crashes have been reported in work zones in South Carolina, resulting in thousands of injuries and 88 deaths. Nationally, four out of five people killed in work zones are drivers or passengers.

"It is critical that motorists obey the posted work zone speed limit, obey the standard traffic laws, and pay close attention to the road at all times, especially in work zones," said SCDOT Executive Director Elizabeth S. Mabry. "There is no excuse for a work zone collision – these events are totally preventable if motorists will simply obey the rules of the road."

Bob Lee, Administrator of the SC Division Office of the Federal Highway Administration, said South Carolina is being watched by other states across the nation as many others are interested in seeing the results that are achieved through this effort.

"This program is a national model for the efforts of a campaign of public awareness and information coupled with increased enforcement and a sincere commitment from all of the partners to stop the senseless tragedies occurring every day in our work zones and on our highways in South Carolina," Lee said.

State law provides for a $200 fine and thirty days in jail for disregarding work zone speed limits, where signs are posted.

Colonel Russell Roark, Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, said the South Carolina Highway Patrol is looking forward to working with fellow law enforcement officers in the State Transport Police, and in the local law enforcement networks throughout the state to coordinate efforts.

"As the Commander of the South Carolina Highway Patrol, I commit to you that we will do everything within our power to make highway work zones safer," Roark said. " We recognize the hard work by DOT employees, highway contractors, and others, in all types of weather, to make our highways safer and more efficient. By maintaining a policy of zero tolerance for speeders in work zones and by slowing traffic down, we hope that your jobs will be less stressful, and that we will see zero fatalities during the 2005 construction season."

Danny Shealy, Director of Construction at SCDOT, said: "As you travel through work zones, we ask for your patience. Please watch out for our flaggers and obey their directions…Our employees and contractors are working for you, to help you reach your destination safely."

April 8 also was the beginning of a statewide TV public service campaign, and the new ads were shown at the news conference.

The news conference was held in support of National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week.

The Executive Director of SCDOT is Elizabeth S. Mabry. The SCDOT Commission includes Chairman Tee Hooper of Greenville; Bob Harrell Sr., 1st Congressional District; John N. Hardee, 2nd Congressional District; Marion P. Carnell, 3rd Congressional District; William C. "Bud" Turner, 4th Congressional District; Bobby T. Jones, 5th Congressional District; and John M. "Moot" Truluck, 6th Congressional District.

SCDOT employees hold a sign during an April 8 news conference asking motorists to slow down in work zones. SCDOT and law enforcement agencies joined forces to announce stepped up enforcement of speeding laws in work zones across South Carolina. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)

Law enforcement officers pose on their motorcycles ready after an April 8 news conference in Columbia. SCDOT and law enforcement agencies joined forces to announce stepped up enforcement of speeding laws in work zones across South Carolina. (Photo by Rob Thompson/SCDOT)

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