Construction zone law unenforceable

The Illinois construction zone speed law is a textbook example of our state legislature passing unenforceable regulations that accomplish little outside of revenue generation. While it is difficult to argue against the need to protect those working in construction zones, the law fails to achieve that goal because it is not enforceable. Worse, the reduced speed limits create another problem that places a much larger number of citizens at risk: By imposing restrictions that are almost universally ignored, the law endangers drivers who follow it.

With the glut of late-season roadwork delayed by summer strikes, weekday commutes are a nightmare. The vastness of the highway miles under construction makes enforcement by overburdened state police impossible. Those of us who do follow the posted limits are endangered by infuriated drivers tailgating or trying to pass, knowing that their chances of a citation are minimal. The result? Accidents, often chain rear-enders, because of frustration caused by hypnotic, mind-numbing travel times in stop-and-go traffic.

If anyone doubts that this is true, take a drive north or south on Route 53 during the morning or evening rush. Observe what happens to the few drivers who obey the posted limits, and the absence of law enforcement to cite the hundreds of speeders.

Legislators failed to protect Illinois citizens from the consequences of this law. Instead of passing an income producer that cannot be enforced and puts citizens at risk of injury or death, legislators should have made certain that the mechanics of the bill were workable. Most importantly, they failed in their larger duty to ensure that Illinois highway projects are managed to minimize the horrific gridlock on our roads.

Bob Prokop

Wheeling