New Law Oct 1: Phones & Work Zones
September 20, 2016
The WI Department of Transportation (DOT) is trying to increase safety for both construction/road workers and drivers. According to the DOT in 2015 distracted driving caused 24,000+ crashes, averaging 1 crash every 20 minutes. Of these crashes, 2000 happen in work zones annually.
To help lower these statistics, and keep people safe, the DOT is going completely hands-free in all work zones to keep drivers more attentive. The new law will go into effect October 1, 2016.
After that, drivers caught talking on their phones in a work zone will face a $40 fine for the first offense and $100 on violations following. Hands-free devices, like Bluetooth, will still be legal in work zones.
It’s a good rule of thumb not to use your phone when driving period.