PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police are teaming up on a new enforcement initiative called “Operation Yellow Jacket.”
At a recent event, officials said the enforcement program is focused on enhancing safety within highway work zones across the Philadelphia region.
The operation involves state police troopers stationed inside PennDOT vehicles in active construction zones. Inside the trucks, they can monitor traffic for violations like speeding, tailgating, and distracted driving.
Dressed in PennDOT gear, the undercover troopers coordinate with marked patrol units to initiate stops on offenders, officials said.
The strategy is part of a broader effort to curb the number of work zone accidents in the region.
In 2023, Pennsylvania recorded 1,216 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities. Since 1970, 91 PennDOT workers have been killed on duty. Specifically, in the Philadelphia area last year, there were 309 incidents that led to three deaths and 11 severe injuries, with distracted and aggressive driving cited as primary contributors, according to PennDOT.
“Our goal is not to write citations. Our goal is to deter the violations that would warrant a citation being issued in the first place,” Pennsylvania State Police Captain Gerard B. McShea said. “Those violations are what can cost people their lives. That is why we want the public to know that the Pennsylvania State Police have a presence in work zones, which gives them an extra incentive to slow down and use caution. It could save a life.”
PennDOT District 6 Executive Din Abazi pointed to the importance of drivers following the posted signs and speed limits in construction areas.
The presence of troopers in our work zones sets an expectation that all motorists must follow the speed limit and all applicable laws. We encourage everyone using our roadways and traveling through our work zones to slow down and put their devices down,” said Abazi. “Motorists are reminded to always follow the posted speed limit and directions from our crews, as there may be an undercover trooper in one of our PennDOT work zones at any time.”
According to officials, the enforcement effort highlights the dangers in high-speed driving through construction areas, where lower speed limits and changing traffic patterns create risky conditions if not followed.
Speed plays a tremendous role in the reason why crashes occur,” McShea added. “It is our hope that all motorists passing through an active work zone pass through safely. This initiative has undoubtedly made the roadways safer for not only the PennDOT workers but also the motoring public.”
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