Trooper cites work zone speeding driver

The Indiana State Police is often tasked with providing safety and security to construction workers working along our roadways. An example of why the ISP works overtime in the work zones occurred Friday morning along a rural stretch of Interstate 70 near the 37-mile marker.

Master Trooper Kent Winstead of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division was working extra patrol in the construction zone at 9:39 a.m. Friday and obtained VASCAR clocks of 99, 99, 100, and 103.2 mph on an eastbound red 2013 Volkswagon Jetta, just feet away from the construction workers.

The vehicle was stopped and the driver identified as Steven F. Abboud, age 25, of St. Louis. Abboud was reportedly en route to visit family in Ohio. He was cited and released from the scene.

The Indiana Work Zone Safety Law was revised in July 2011 and set steeper penalties for driving infractions within highway work zones.

Under this law, first time speeding citations in the work zone is a minimum of $300, the second offense increases the minimum fine to $500, and for a third offense in three years, $1000.

Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through work zones face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may end up paying a $10,000 fine or serving up to eight years in jail. Fines generated from the work zone law are used to fund additional police patrols in and around the work zones.

The Indiana State Police along with the Indiana Department of Transportation remind motorists of the risks these workers face every day on our roadways. Drivers are urged to slow down, be patient, do not use cell phones, obey work zone traffic regulations, and use caution at all times.