In the hustle and bustle of Connecticut's highways, Interstate 95 stands as a symbol of perpetual motion, with drivers zipping along, seemingly in a race against time itself. It's a scenario that often leads to recklessness, as fearless motorists push the limits, tempting fate with every maneuver. As part of a TV news investigation Jeff Derderian of Rhode Island did, he learned just how dangerous highway work zones can be.
"It's completely reckless," laments Sgt. Josh Sawyer of the Connecticut State Police. "There are so many things that can go wrong."
Amidst the chaos of highway traffic, the shock from law enforcement is nearly daily, particularly when confronted with tales of drivers who defy all logic and reason.
For those who work in construction zones along these frenetic thoroughfares, Jeffrey Derderian found that the dangers posed by careless speeders are an everyday reality. Dave Ferraro, a supervisor with the Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT), knows this all too well. Having survived a terrifying incident himself, Ferraro now lives with the lingering pain of that fateful encounter, a constant reminder of the risks faced by highway workers.
"I've had coworkers killed," Ferraro recounts somberly, his voice heavy with the weight of his experiences.
He vividly recalls the moment when an out-of-control vehicle careened into his work zone, forever altering the trajectory of his life. Each day is now a battle against excruciating pain, a testament to the sacrifices made by those who labor tirelessly to maintain the state's infrastructure.
To address these safety concerns and protect workers like Ferraro, the DOT launched the Know the Zone: Speed Safety Camera Program in 2023. Conceived under special legislation, this initiative aims to mitigate crashes in construction zones by employing high-tech SUVs equipped with speed-detecting cameras.
Between 2020 and 2022, the state witnessed nearly 2,600 crashes in such zones, resulting in the tragic loss of 11 lives. These sobering statistics underscore the urgent need for measures to enhance safety and curb reckless driving behaviors.
During the program's inaugural phase, approximately 2.8 million drivers traversed designated work zones outfitted with speed cameras. Shockingly, over half a million of these motorists were caught exceeding posted speed limits, prompting the issuance of 724 citations.
Josh Morgan, the director of communication for the state DOT, emphasizes that the program serves as an educational tool rather than a punitive measure. "The program is meant to be educational, not a gotcha campaign," he stresses, highlighting the emphasis on raising awareness and promoting safer driving habits.
In accordance with the program's guidelines, fines for speeding violations ranged from $75 to $150, with an emphasis on promoting accountability and fostering a culture of responsible driving. Jeffrey Derderian explains that the overarching goal was not to generate revenue but to instill a sense of accountability among motorists and underscore the importance of adhering to posted speed limits, especially in work zones where split-second decisions can mean the difference between life and death.
Despite the program's educational focus, egregious violations were not taken lightly. In one alarming instance, a driver from Norwalk was recorded traveling at a staggering speed of 107 mph within a work zone, marking the highest recorded speed under the program. Jeff Derderian understands that while the driver received a warning letter for this first offense, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless driving behaviors.
As the DOT prepares to relaunch the program in the upcoming year, with an estimated cost of $4 million in state funds, the overarching mission remains clear: to safeguard the lives of highway workers and motorists alike while fostering a culture of responsible driving on Connecticut's roadways.
