By Chief Steven J. Wojnar Dudley Police Department

The week of April 11th-15th was National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW).  Mass DOT has continued to participate in the nationwide work zone safety campaign and has asked our department to share the campaign information.  This year’s theme was “Work Zones Are a Sign to Slow Down” and was intended to highlight the importance for motorists to slow their vehicles and stay alert when approaching and passing a work zone.  They note from 2018-2021, there were 181 work zone-related crashes that resulted in a fatality or serious injury in MA.  Mass DOT reminds everyone to pay attention, exercise caution, and please take a moment to reflect on the individuals who build, patrol, & maintain the roads we travel on daily. 

  Several years ago, fines were authorized to be doubled in construction areas and, back in 2016, the “Move Over” law was enacted here in the Commonwealth.  Under normal conditions, if a driver is cited for speeding, and they are travelling 50mph in a 30pmh zone, they would be subject to a $150 base fine (plus additional surcharges).  This is based on $50 for the first ten miles over the limit, and $10 per mile for those after.  In Work Zones or “construction areas”, the same speed can result in a fine of $300 (plus surcharges).  A “construction area” appears to be defined by Mass Law in 720CMR9.06.  It offers guidelines in application to highways where “traffic signs are erected, or warning lights are displayed...to notify of the presence of men or equipment.”  This is general and broad, so numerous areas of work can apply.  These can be places where accidents or injuries can take place, so the laws provide stiff penalties for speeding in these areas.  The presence of heavy equipment and workers contributes to the hazards in the locations.  It is important to control your speed and watch for things such as vehicles entering and exiting.    

The “Move Over for Emergency Vehicles’ law is contained in MGL Chapter 89 Section 7C.  It applies to several vehicles, including Emergency Response Vehicles, such as police cars, fire apparatus, ambulances, or disaster vehicles.  Others covered under this section include highway maintenance vehicles, such as dump trucks, heavy equipment, etc.  The law states: “Upon approaching a stationary emergency vehicle, highway maintenance vehicle or recovery vehicle with flashing lights an operator shall:  proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions.  On a highway, drivers must make a lane change if practicable.  If changing lanes is impracticable, drivers must proceed with due caution and reduce the speed of the vehicle to that of a reasonable and safe speed for road conditions.”  A penalty for a violation is a $100 civil fine.  Whether or not it is a construction zone, it is important to remember vehicles share the road with pedestrians, bicyclists, and workers.  By combining cautious driving with the proper use of the roads by the public, we can reduce the chances of accidents and injuries.

For those still seeking COVID-19 vaccination or other information, it can be found at www.dudleyma.gov or by calling 508-949-8036.  We encourage everyone to continue to be safe.  Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.  These times continue to be challenging and we, at the Dudley Police Department, greatly appreciate the support we receive from our community.  

Thanks again for your questions and comments.  Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at [email protected].  Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.