Chester, VA – Utility companies and safety advocates want to remind drivers that starting July 1, new civil penalties go into effect for a moving violation inside an active work zone on all roadways in Virginia. The increased penalties are the result of state legislation approved by the 2024 Virginia General Assembly. Columbia Gas of Virginia, Appalachian Power and DRIVE SMART Virginia advocated for the new legislation along with well over a dozen other organizations.
“The main point is to raise awareness to urge Virginia drivers to slow down, pay attention, and obey flaggers in work zones,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “We are grateful for the 20 other organizations that recognized the urgent need for this legislation and supported the effort along with us to get it passed to protect Virginians.”
Appalachian Power echoed Montague’s sentiments. “Vehicle traffic presents a significant safety concern for employees who work along roadways,” said Appalachian President and COO Aaron Walker. “Attentive driving in work zones helps ensure the safety of motorists and workers alike.”
“Workers in work zones should not have to risk their own lives in order to improve our infrastructure,” said Kristin Pettway, Executive Director of DRIVE SMART Virginia. “Drivers can prevent these deaths by obeying the speed limit, focusing on the road and driving sober and alert. The newly increased penalties are meant to encourage those behaviors on our most vulnerable roadways.”
The legislation consists of a tiered penalty system for moving violations inside active work zones. The penalty for the for the first offense is $300; the penalty for the second offense in a 12-month period is $500; and the penalty for the third offense in a 12-month period is $750.
Additionally, this legislation provides Columbia Gas and other companies with the opportunity to place signage around work zones indicating that a $300 fine is the law for a moving violation. “The ability to post these signs in our work zone sites will raise driver awareness, alert them that the law has changed, and remind them that the Commonwealth takes driving behavior on our roadways seriously,” added Montague.
Here are some tips on what to do if you encounter work crews on the road:
- Expect the unexpected – Normal speed limits may be reduced; traffic lanes may change; and people may be working on or near the road.
- Slow down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes.
- Keep your distance – Keep a safe distance between you and the car ahead of you and don’t tailgate.
- Pay attention to the signs – Observe the posted signs until you see the one that says you’ve left the work zone.
- Obey road crew flaggers – A flagger has the same authority as a regulatory sign, so you can be cited for disobeying directions.
- Stay alert and minimize distractions – Dedicate your full attention to the roadway and avoid changing radio stations or using cell phones while driving.
For more information about Columbia Gas of Virginia’s focus on safety, please visit www.columbiagasva.com/safety.
