Indiana Safe Zones: New Safety Initiative for Construction Areas

The Indiana Safe Zones program is a new effort by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). Started in 2023 through HEA 1015, this program aims to make construction sites safer for both drivers and workers. It does this by slowing down traffic and promoting safer driving habits.

The Mission of Indiana Safe Zones

The goal of the Indiana Safe Zones program is simple: to save lives. It wants to change how drivers behave at work sites to reduce speed and prevent accidents. This is important for the safety of both the workers on the road and the drivers passing through.

How Indiana Safe Zones Works

Here’s how the Indiana Safe Zones program operates:

1. Signs and Detection: Signs are put up to let drivers know they are being monitored. This helps drivers stay aware and cautious.

2. Speed Monitoring: If a car is going 11 mph or more over the speed limit, the system takes a picture of the car’s rear license plate.

3. Violation Process:

   • Pre-Enforcement Period: At first, drivers caught speeding will get a warning notice, but no fines. The pre-enforcement period begins Aug. 14 on I-70 in Hancock County.
   • Post-Enforcement Period: After this phase, penalties start. The first time, there is no fine, just a warning. The second time, there is a $75 fine. After that, each violation has a $150 fine.

The money from these fines goes to Indiana’s General Fund.

Goals and Expected Outcomes

The Indiana Safe Zones program has three main goals:

• Saving Lives: By slowing down traffic, it helps prevent fatal accidents.
• Reducing Crashes: With fewer high-speed incidents, there will be fewer crashes.
• Slowing Drivers Down: Encouraging drivers to follow speed limits makes roads safer.

Why Speed Control is Important

Speed control in work zones is vital. Other states have shown that slowing down traffic in these areas makes roads safer. Work zones can be dangerous because of the construction equipment and workers close to traffic. Reducing speed helps keep everyone safe.

Looking Ahead

The Indiana Safe Zones program is a step towards safer roads in work zones across the state. By focusing on changing driver behavior with signs, speed detection, and fines, the program aims to protect the lives of both workers and drivers. As the program moves forward, it will make a big difference in road safety and work zone protection.