Tulsa Police Crack Down On Those Speeding In Construction Zones

Tulsa police are cracking down on drivers who speed in construction zones during the month of June.

Citations are being issued, but they said it isn't about writing tickets. It's about raising awareness and saving lives.

"I've worked hundreds of fatality accidents and one thing they all have in common is none of them thought they would get in an accident and kill somebody," TPD Officer Stephen Florea said.

Yet two deadly wrecks happened within the Mingo Valley Division in the last year. Cops are calling the construction zone wrecks senseless.

"They are just like everyone else," TPD Sgt. Stephen Boyes said. "They are out here working a job trying to make ends meet, making a house payment trying to put food on the table, but it's very dangerous because you got cars whizzing by you. This construction zone here is a 25 mph zone."

But when News On 6 did a ride along, it was clear that drivers don't always slow down.

One driver was clocked at 42 mph.

That may not seem fast, but for the workers in hard hats on the streets, it is dangerous.

"If they get hit by a car going 40 or 50 miles an hour they are either injured for the rest of their lives where they cant work or they are dead."

Officers said when you see bright orange cones and road closure signs, slow down because rushing doesn't save much time.

"That means the time it takes you to cross this 2 miles might take you 1 minute longer, and for somebody who wants to save 1 minute is willing to risk someone else life? It's just senseless to me," Florea said.

Everyone behind the wheel should put down their phones, pay special attention to all construction zone warning signs and if you don't, be prepared to pay, TPD said.

The ticket for speeding in a construction zone is $150 to $500 or 10 days in jail.