FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 14, 2012

The Northwest Region of the North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) conducted a speed enforcement effort this week in a highway construction work zone. The enforcement took place at the Snake Creek embankment on US Highway 83. A trooper in an unmarked state fleet vehicle was monitoring the speed of motorists driving through the construction zone with a laser speed device. Violations were reported to troopers in marked patrol vehicles who made the traffic stops.

In approximately 2 1/2 hours, a total of 22 speed citations were issued. Eleven citations were issued to motorists not wearing seat belts. The highest speed violation involved a motorist traveling 73 mph in a 40 mph zone.  All other speed citations involved motorists driving at least 10 mph over the reduced speed limit in the construction zone.  In addition, 13 warnings were issued for various violations.

Additional special enforcement efforts involving construction zones are planned throughout the rest of the construction season.  The NDHP and the North Dakota Department of Transportation are working cooperatively to encourage motorists to slow down and use safe driving techniques, especially when traveling through construction zones. Last year there were 203 vehicle crashes in construction work zones, resulting in one fatality in North Dakota. Driving responsibly through these zones ensures safety for both highway workers and motorists.