
<a href="https://mynorthwest.com/local/washington-speed-infraction/4115924" target="_blank">View original image source</a>.
Buckle up, drivers! The Washington State Patrol has been on a speed trap spree, issuing a jaw-dropping 7,599 infractions in just the first three months of the new work zone camera program. That’s right, in a move to keep our hard-working road construction crews safe, these cameras mean business, catching speeders faster than you can say “Oops, I did it again!” The best part? If you get nabbed for the first time, you won’t be hit with a penalty during this trial period. It’s like a get-out-of-jail-free card—just don’t get too comfy!
But before you start celebrating, repeat offenders should be wary. Starting in July 2025, that first infraction will run you $125, and the second and subsequent violations will set you back a steep $248. WSP Chief John Batiste is hopeful that as more drivers learn about the cameras, the number of speeders will decrease. It’s like he’s taking a page from the ‘scared straight’ playbook—only this time, it’s the highway that’s getting a wake-up call!
Of course, there’s a larger point here about road safety. Traffic accidents in work zones have been averaging 1,345 crashes a year since 2020. So the question is, are cameras really the answer? Are penalties effective enough, or should we be looking at broader safety measures? Let me know what you think—what do you do to stay safe in construction zones?
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