'Safe Zones' begins April 1 on I-74 in Decatur, Shelby Counties

SHELBY/DECATUR Counties, Ind. - The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) announces the activation of its worksite speed control pilot program, known as "Safe Zones," on I-74 in Decatur and Shelby counties, starting on April 1.

Safe Zones enforcement will be instituted on I-74 in the construction zone between mile markers 113 and 134.     

Once active, vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the posted speed limit will receive a violation notice via mail. The first violation results in a zero-fine warning, followed by a $75 civil fine for second violations, and a $150 civil fine for third and subsequent violations.     

Safe Zones is already active in other parts of the state. The program aims to protect the lives of motorists and road workers by slowing drivers down and reducing crashes in work zones.   

The system documents vehicle speeds using truck-mounted speed timing devices as they pass through work zones. When a vehicle is traveling 11 mph or more than the posted speed limit, the system captures an image of the vehicle’s rear license plate. Violations are certified and mailed to the owner.   

INDOT says signs are posted to notify drivers entering and exiting worksites that an automated system is monitoring their speed. Workers must be present at the time of an event for a violation to be valid.  

Click here to view a short video about the program.     

To learn more about Indiana Safe Zones, including active locations and answers to frequently asked questions, visit SafeZonesIN.com.