Road Work DME

State police in Kittanning are placing troopers inside PennDOT vehicles in work zones to monitor for traffic violations within them.

“Operation Yellow Jacket” is being deployed throughout the 2026 construction season in Armstrong County to reduce the frequency of violations such as speeding, tailgating and distracted driving during active construction. Troopers who see a violation in an active work zone are to communicate with another trooper further along to conduct a traffic stop.

“Our goal isn’t to issue citations, but to encourage safe driving behaviors, not only in work zones, but on all roads,” said Joseph Zandarski, the state police Kittanning Station Commander Lieutenant. “Distracted driving or aggressive driving puts everyone on our roads at risk, whether they are workers, motorists or passengers.”

PennDOT recorded 1,393 crashes in work zones in 2025 resulting in 12 deaths and 49 serious injuries. Since 1970, 93 PennDOT employees have been killed in the line of duty.

“When you encounter work zones, please drive the posted work zone speed limit, pay attention to signs and flaggers and be patient for your safety and the safety of highway workers,” said Aaron Raible, PennDOT’s Armstrong County maintenance manager.

Drivers caught driving 11 mph or more above the posted speed limit in an active work zone automatically lose their license for 15 days, and fines for certain violations are doubled.

Drivers are required to slow down, activate their headlights and obey all posted speed limits and traffic patterns when driving in work zones.

The increased penalties within work zones also apply to Paul Miller’s Law, which bans interacting with a handheld mobile device while driving, including while stopped in traffic. Drivers may only use their phones, if operating them hands-free or calling 911.

The law went into effect last year, but Friday marks the start of potential fines amounting to $50 plus court costs, or about $200, related to the violation, according to PennDOT.