DUNMORE  - With new construction and repairs underway on area roads, motorists are reminded to slow down in work zones or face justice from an unlikely source – highway workers themselves. Police can cite motorists who violate work zones using information from the innovative “Police Arrest Report Form” used by highway workers from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), District 4-0, which includes Lackawanna, Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.

“We want to send out a strong message – we will hold drivers accountable for putting the lives of our workers in danger,” said George Roberts, PennDOT’s District Executive. “We ask motorists to slow down for safety’s sake.

“Aggressive driving in a work zone will not be tolerated. Aggressive drivers not only put highway workers at risk, but themselves, their passengers and the public as well. We’ll use every means at our disposal to ensure the safety of the men and women out there making improvements to our roadways.”

Since PennDOT District 4-0 crews began using the form in 2001, state and local police have cited approximately 90 drivers for violations in work zones. In some instances, fines totaled as much as $1,000.

PennDOT encourages drivers to follow these tips for safe driving in a working zone:

• Recognize the work zone. Watch for signals and flagger.
• Slow down immediately and expect to stop completely. Do not anticipate being allowed to proceed without stopping.
• Stay alert. Workers and equipment can move quickly. Dedicate full attention to the road.
• Pay close attention to flagmen and traffic-control devices.
  Maintain a lane. Stay in the lane assigned by the flagger or signs. Give your full attention to the roadway.
• Minimize distractions in vehicles. Avoid changing radio stations and using mobile phones in work zones.
• Expect the unexpected. Keep an eye on workers and their equipment.
• Be patient. Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make them safer.
• For more safety tips, visit PennDOT’s District 4-0 Web site at www.neparoads.com under “safety.”