Highway Work Zones

Traffic delays abound not only here in Keizer, but throughout many cities in good weather. Now is the time when public works departments close or restrict traffic in highway work zones. An example of this is the public improvement project currently underway on Lockhaven Drive west of River Road.

It is important to remember when driving through a highway work zone, drivers need to be cognizant of their surroundings and limit multitasking activities such as talking on a cell phone. In 2004, 1,068 people, drivers and highway workers were killed in construction zones nationwide as a result of motor vehicle crashes.

Oregon laws address aggressive and other unsafe driving behavior in highway work zones. Oregon Revised Statute 811.231 defines reckless endangerment of a highway worker as a person driving a motor vehicle in a manner that endangers persons or property or if a person removes, evades, or intentionally strikes a traffic control device in a highway work zone. Reckless endangerment of a highway worker is a Class A misdemeanor with a fine of up to $6,250.00 and up to one year in jail.

ORS 811.232 states a driver who intentionally and unreasonably disobeys a flagger in a highway work zone may be issued a Class A traffic violation with a base fine of up to $679.00. It is also important to note that base fines for certain traffic violations double in highway work zones, and courts are limited in their discretion to reduce fines in these areas.

When taking a trip to the grocery store or across town, plan ahead and give yourself extra time to arrive at your destination. Disobeying a flagger, striking traffic cones or committing other traffic violations in highway work zones is not only costly and against the law, it is unsafe for workers and the motoring public.

Officer Trevor Wenning
Traffic Safety Unit
Keizer Police Department