Spring is here, and along with warmer temperatures, Buffalo is gearing up for another season of road construction. While these projects are necessary for city development, they also come with temporary speed zones that could cost drivers if they’re not careful. In this guide, we’ll walk through how these zones work, why they exist, and how to avoid getting slapped with a hefty ticket.
Arthur Pressman focuses in the areas of DWI, traffic law and criminal defense.
Spring Road Construction and Its Impact on Drivers in Buffalo 
Spring is one of the busiest times for road construction in Buffalo. With the harsh winter behind, the city’s infrastructure gets a much-needed facelift. However, as local drivers know too well, this can mean dealing with detours, lane closures, and most importantly, temporary speed zones.
These speed zones are often enforced in construction areas to ensure the safety of both road workers and drivers. For Buffalo residents, this can mean navigating unfamiliar speed limits as they move through zones that are regularly being adjusted. If you find yourself speeding through one of these zones, you could be facing more than just a warning.
Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, understands the frustrations that come with these situations. While many drivers may feel that they’re simply following the flow of traffic, it’s important to remember that construction zones come with strict rules that can lead to fines and points on your driving record.
Understanding Temporary Speed Zones and Their Purpose
Temporary speed zones are set up in areas where construction work is underway. The purpose of these reduced speed limits is to protect workers who are often working close to the road, as well as to ensure the safety of drivers navigating through the area.
These speed limits are typically lower than regular speed limits, and sometimes even lower than what drivers may consider reasonable based on the current conditions of the road. For example, a highway with no visible construction might have a posted limit of 55 mph, but during roadwork, that speed limit could drop to 35 mph. While these speed zones are in place to safeguard everyone, they can be frustrating and easy to overlook.
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It’s essential for drivers to pay close attention to posted signs when approaching construction zones. Failing to do so could result in significant penalties. Unfortunately, temporary speed limits are often enforced by speed cameras and patrol officers who are specifically monitoring these areas for violations.
The Cost of Speeding in Construction Zones
When it comes to road construction, the penalties for speeding can be particularly severe in Buffalo. In most cases, fines for speeding in construction zones are doubled compared to standard speeding fines. If you were to speed at 10 mph over the limit in a construction zone, the fine you would typically receive could range from $100 to $300, depending on the area and how much you exceeded the limit.
The consequences of speeding in a construction zone don’t just stop at fines. You may also accumulate points on your driving record, which can affect your insurance rates in the long run. Some drivers may even face an automatic suspension of their license, depending on the severity of the violation.
Furthermore, for drivers who are already dealing with a backlog of tickets or have been pulled over for multiple violations, speeding in a construction zone could be the last straw in terms of accumulating enough points to result in a suspension.
Why Do Speed Limits Change So Often in Construction Zones?
One of the more confusing aspects of road construction is the frequent changes in temporary speed limits. The design of construction zones is constantly evolving, and as the construction work progresses, so too do the restrictions on traffic.
For example, one day a speed limit may be posted at 40 mph, and the next day, when a section of the construction work shifts or a new crew takes over, the speed limit may drop to 30 mph. Additionally, some roadwork projects involve lane closures and shifting traffic patterns, which means that drivers may have to adjust their speed as they enter new lanes or navigate unfamiliar road layouts.
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These constant changes can be tricky to keep up with, especially when driving through construction zones that seem to stretch for miles. However, it’s important to remember that temporary speed limits are not just a suggestion; they are a legal requirement.
How to Stay Safe and Avoid Speeding Tickets in Construction Zones
The best way to avoid a speeding ticket in a construction zone is to stay alert and vigilant as you drive. Here are a few key tips to ensure you stay within the posted speed limits:
- Always Obey the Speed Limits: No matter how empty the construction zone appears, always follow the posted speed limits. Even if no workers are in sight, reducing your speed could prevent a ticket and ensure your safety.
- Watch for Signs and Flaggers: Construction zones often have flaggers or signs that indicate when the speed limit is about to change. Be prepared for slowdowns, and adjust your speed as needed.
- Pay Attention to Changes in Lane Patterns: Construction areas often involve lane closures, lane shifts, and road reconfiguration. Make sure to reduce your speed when you notice these changes and stay in your lane.
- Use Your GPS for Alerts: Some GPS systems have alerts for speed limits, including temporary ones in construction zones. Utilize these systems to stay aware of speed changes.
While driving through construction zones, it’s also important to be mindful of other road hazards such as road debris and loose gravel. Take your time, and be prepared to slow down quickly if the road conditions change unexpectedly.
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What to Do if You Get a Speeding Ticket in a Construction Zone
Despite your best efforts to follow the rules, you may still find yourself with a speeding ticket in a construction zone. If you do get ticketed, it’s important not to ignore the violation. Buffalo traffic laws are strict when it comes to speeding in construction zones, and failing to address the ticket could lead to further consequences.
If you believe the ticket was issued unfairly, or if you are facing multiple violations, you should reach out to a qualified attorney. Arthur L. Pressman, Attorney at Law, offers a free consultation for individuals dealing with traffic violations, including those related to construction zones. A skilled attorney can review your case, help you understand your options, and may be able to help reduce or eliminate your penalties.
Spring road construction in Buffalo is an unavoidable part of the season. While it may be frustrating to deal with changing speed limits, keeping an eye out for temporary zones and adjusting your speed can help you avoid costly tickets and penalties. If you find yourself facing a ticket in a construction zone, don’t hesitate to reach out to a traffic attorney to discuss your options. Remember, staying informed and careful on the road is the best way to avoid unnecessary fines and keep your driving record clean.
To learn more about this subject click here: Speeding in a Construction Zone? Here’s Why That Ticket’s More Serious Than You
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