Published on Friday, April 7, 2006
in the First Coast News

State Troopers Go Undercover in Construction Zones

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- You've seen them on the drive to and from work. They’re the men at work in the construction zones.

But don't assume all the men there are construction workers.

Instead of spray guns some of the men are armed with radar guns and they're looking for speeders in Jacksonville.

One state trooper's traffic safety vest and casual clothes help him blend in as he spots a driver going 20 miles over the speed limit on Interstate 295.

He alerts trooper roger Thomas, Jr., down the road. Then Trooper Thomas tracks down the driver and writes the ticket.

"All of them have been surprised. They didn't pay any attention to him, thinking he was a regular construction worker," said Trooper Thomas.

The effort is part of Construction Zone Safety Week. All across Florida, Highway Patrol will be on the look out for drivers speeding through construction zones.

They say the goal is not to write more tickets. They hope to save lives.

"Last year throughout Florida, we had 130 people killed in construction areas. In this particular location, here in Jacksonville, we've had two killed within the last two months," said Lieutenant Bill Leeper.

Troopers are hoping to reverse that trend and they say drivers are the first line of defense.

"You need to be attentive and alert. There are constantly people out here working," said Trooper Thomas.

And while your eyes are on the road, remember, someone may have their eyes on you.