PennDOT’s operation Yellow Jacket

DUNMORE, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — A program aimed at saving lives in work zones along Pennsylvania’s highways is making a difference.

PennDOT is working with state troopers to save the lives of construction workers across Pennsylvania’s highways.

“Operation Yellow Jacket aims to improve safety in our work zones by placing a trooper in a penn vehicle to enforce speed limits,” said Jonathan Eboli, asst. district executive for maintenance, PennDOT District 4

Working from the PennDOT vehicle, the trooper watches for traffic violations like speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving. When they see something, another trooper stationed down the road will be contacted with the information, and they will initiate a traffic stop.

“This cooperative effort between the Pennsylvania state police and PennDOT aims to improve safety for all by reducing the occurrences of speeding through work zone enforcement,” says Eboli.

Together PennDOT and state police hope to bring the number of work zone accidents to zero.

“In 2023 1,216 crashes occurred in work zones in Pennsylvania resulting in 22 fatalities and 45 serious injuries,” stated Eboli.

Trooper Bob Urban has this reminder about smartphones and other devices.

“You cannot text while you’re driving you know now with the Paul Miller law anytime you’re using that handheld device whether it’s your cell phone or your tablet that is a violation on the road,” added Trooper Bob Urban, Troop R

Operation Yellow Jacket was put into effect last year. Both state police and PennDOT workers say it has made a difference.

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