Uniontown, PA – Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) and the Highway Safety Network, is reminding motorists to drive safely and responsibly as part of a statewide Aggressive Driving Enforcement Wave, which runs from March 17 to April 27. This targeted initiative places a strong emphasis on work zone awareness and safety, especially during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which falls within the current enforcement period.
With the construction season ramping up, PennDOT is urging drivers to slow down, stay alert, and avoid distractions when traveling through active work zones. The presence of road crews, heavy equipment, and rapidly changing traffic patterns make these areas particularly dangerous for both workers and drivers.
“Work zones are a shared responsibility,” said PennDOT District 12 Executive Rachel Duda. “Every cone and sign are there to protect the people behind them – our family members, friends, and neighbors who work hard to maintain and improve our roadways.”
PSP will focus on identifying and penalizing aggressive drivers who endanger the safety of road workers. Troopers will also educate the public on the consequences of violating work zone safety laws, including increased fines and potential license suspensions.
“The safety of our roadway workers and the public is our top priority,” said PSP Trooper Tristan Tappe. “Motorists need to recognize that aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, and failing to obey signage put lives at risk and will not be tolerated.”
According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 1,507 crashes involving aggressive driving in Westmoreland County, resulting in six fatalities. During the same period, there were also 14 work zone crashes, and one person was killed as a result.
For more information on work zone safety, visit www.PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety
Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,000 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional X alerts.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/district12.
Information about infrastructure in District 12, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D12Results. Find PennDOT’s planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow PennDOT on X and like the department on Facebook and Instagram.
MEDIA CONTACT: Emily Swecker, eswecker@pa.gov or 724-425-3018
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