VERMONT — The Vermont State Police, at the request of the Vermont Agency of Transportation, said last week that troopers will be conducting work zone enforcement statewide.
Construction workers statewide are reporting an alarming number of motor vehicle operators using electronic devices while driving within the work zone, VSP spokesman Scott Waterman said. In some instances workers have lost count of the number of operators on their electronic devices.
The Vermont State Police Traffic Safety Unit patrolled Route 22A one day last week and Interstate 89 in the exit 10 area on another, stopping 15 vehicles in four hours. Police issued five warnings for electronic devices within the work zone, as well as two traffic tickets for electronic devices in the work zone and eight other infractions. The fine for using a portable electronic device in a work zone is $230.
“Vermont State Police ask motorists to please drive safely through work zones,” Waterman said in a press release. “Slow down and stay off portable electronic devices.”