News Summary
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has introduced a new initiative to enhance safety in highway work zones through automated speed enforcement cameras. Following the passage of House Bill 664, named in memory of a worker killed in a work zone, these cameras will monitor vehicle speeds and penalize drivers who exceed limits. With over 1,300 work zone crashes reported last year, the initiative aims to protect both drivers and construction workers. Speed cameras will be installed in select locations and will be marked with flashing light signage.
Frankfort, Kentucky – The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet has announced an initiative to enhance safety in highway work zones through the implementation of automated speed enforcement cameras. This program aims to protect both drivers and construction workers by enforcing compliance with posted speed limits. The decision follows the passage of House Bill 664, which was signed into law earlier this year and is named the Jared Lee Helton Act, in memory of a highway worker who lost his life in a work zone accident.
The automated speed cameras will function similarly to radar guns, monitoring vehicle speeds in designated work areas. Law enforcement officers will be present nearby to conduct traffic stops for any violations captured by the cameras. Drivers who exceed speed limits in these zones will receive in-person citations, with fines potentially reaching up to $500.
In 2024, Kentucky witnessed over 1,300 work zone crashes, resulting in seven fatalities and injuring 185 individuals, predominantly drivers or passengers. This alarming statistic has prompted officials to advocate for stricter speed limit enforcement in construction zones.
The deployment of speed cameras is set to take place in select work zones during the summer and fall of this year, with plans for future expansion across the Commonwealth. These work zones will feature signage equipped with flashing lights to alert drivers about the presence of speed cameras.
According to Transportation Secretary Jim Gray, the initiative is focused on ensuring the safety of all Kentuckians as they travel. The speed cameras will alert users if they exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph. Furthermore, the law stipulates that only police officers are authorized to issue citations, which eliminates the possibility of receiving tickets through mail or text notifications.
Initially, automated camera devices will be installed in four locations: one along Interstate 64 in Shelby County, one in the Lexington area, and two others targeting eastern and south-central Kentucky. Major Eric Walker from Kentucky State Police has reiterated that the primary goal of this initiative is to prevent fatalities and minimize risk, rather than merely increasing ticket issuances.
The implementation of automated speed cameras in construction zones is a proactive approach to enhancing road safety and ensuring that both motorists and construction crews can work and travel without unnecessary risks. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet remains committed to increasing awareness of the dangers posed by speeding in these vulnerable areas.
This new law signifies a growing recognition of the need for enhanced traffic safety measures in construction zones, aiming to create a safer environment for everyone on Kentucky roads. With increasing incidents of work zone accidents, the state’s strategy to implement speed cameras represents a crucial step forward in protecting lives and promoting safe driving practices.
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