Warmer Weather Means More Highway Construction And Increased Danger For Road Crews

By Mark Abrams

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The arrival of May means drivers will be seeing more construction activity on area roadways. As a result, PennDOT is urging drivers to pay closer attention on their daily commute.

PennDOT's District Engineer Kenneth McClain says the warmer weather means drivers will find more road work and more workers on heavily traveled roads.

"Follow the posted speed limit. Obviously, pay attention to flaggers that might be in the work zone. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles. And, of course, just use common sense and drive carefully."

McClain says road crews observe lots of bad behavior by drivers including speeding and texting while driving - distractions which could have fatal consequences.

State police are expected to have a greater presence in some of the construction zones this summer in the region and will be stopping drivers failing obey the lower construction speed limits.

And, one more thing, fines are doubled for a construction zone putting your license at risk - depending on the violation - and possibly boosting your insurance premiums.