Work Zone Safety: Let Them Work. Let Them Live.
For those of us who have spent our careers building and maintaining South Carolina roads, work zone safety is personal. Most crews can recall a close call with a speeding or distracted driver; some have lost a coworker or friend. No one should have to risk their life simply to do their job.
Many remember the former highway department’s message: “Let ’Em Work, Let ’Em Live.” We slow down in school zones because lives are at stake. Work zones deserve the same respect. Obeying speed limits, following flaggers’ directions, and staying alert protect workers and motorists alike.
I remember working at night when a passing truck struck traffic barrels, sending one flying dangerously close to me. High-visibility clothing, signs, barrels, and flashing lights matter, but none can replace a driver’s decision to slow down and give 100% attention to driving safely.
SCDOT, counties, contractors, and law enforcement have partnered to provide patrol vehicles and blue-light warnings. Yet those protections are not always available. After patrol vehicles were struck or damaged in work zones, we have even been told that officers could no longer provide support because the locations were “too dangerous.” Think about that: the very conditions that endanger our crews can also prevent officers from protecting them. Pursuing violators can also pull officers away from the work zone where their presence is needed.
We should seriously consider automated speed cameras, including systems sometimes referred to as Flock cameras, as an additional tool—not a replacement for officers. Virginia uses photo enforcement for vehicles traveling at least 10 mph over the work zone limit, with civil fines up to $100. New York and Connecticut also have very similar programs with mailing notices to vehicle owners with low severity fines of depending on violations. These more inexpensive programs illustrate workable alternatives that do not require an officer to stop a speeding vehicle inside an active work zone. We should not prove that your son, daughter, or wife was driving that car during the violation, it’s your responsibility as the owner of the vehicle to make sure these violations do not continue. If we have to prove the actual driver, that requires more cameras and actual on duty patrolman to issue these tickets, which can be in excess of 10X the fines and several points off your license. This is a good start to protect our workers and the public from having incidents inside of work zones!
South Carolina should evaluate a carefully limited program with advance warning signs, verified speed measurements, privacy protections, an opportunity to contest citations, and public oversight. Any revenue beyond program costs should support roadway and work zone safety. The purpose must be saving lives, not raising money.
This is a shared responsibility for motorists, industry, SCDOT, counties, and elected leaders. Our request is simple: slow down, stay alert, and help every roadway worker return home safely.
Virginia reference and sample citation (official Virginia State Police):