The Maine Turnpike Authority (MTA) has released data from a study that revealed nearly 88 percent of all drivers exceeded the posted speed limit when passing through an authority work zone.
Between July and September, MTA used roadside radar devices to gather anonymous data on almost 1.5 million vehicles traveling through 13 construction zones. It found that only 12 percent of motorists drove at or below the applicable speed limit. Forty-four percent of the vehicles tracked were exceeding the speed limit by at least 21 miles per hour while passing active work crews.
MTA Executive Director Andre Briere stated, “These findings make it clear that we need more effective tools to help prevent future tragedies. Maine’s workers deserve to go home safely at the end of every shift.” He noted that 16 people died in state work zone crashes from 2020 to 2024.
The data may lend support to a legislative bill that would authorize pilot implementation of automated work zone speed enforcement in Maine. MTA is on record as supporting the measure.
Source: Portland Press Herald