Clearfield, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) ask for the public’s help maintaining safety in highway work zones by complying with pilot vehicles, and all traffic control personnel and devices.
Pilot vehicles are typically yellow PennDOT pickup trucks equipped with flashing, roof mounted caution lights and a sign mounted on the rear that reads, “Pilot Car Follow Me.” They are usually employed during flagging operations to help guide motorists safely through a work zone. When encountering a pilot vehicle, drivers must not pass, and remain behind the pilot vehicle until it has left the roadway. During this summer maintenance season, PennDOT crews have noticed an uptick of occurrences where drivers pass the pilot vehicle within the work zone.
“We’ve had several near misses submitted regarding the public ignoring our pilot vehicles and passing them in work zones. This causes a major safety issue for our crews and the public,” said PennDOT District 2 Maintenance Operations Manager Jason Powell. “We cannot stress enough how important it is for drivers to stay behind the pilot vehicle. We need the public to understand that they need to follow that vehicle until it pulls over, then they may continue on their way. It’s for their safety, and the safety of our staff.”
While loss of life and major injuries are the most severe consequences that PennDOT asks the public to keep in mind, PSP warns financial consequences are also possible for those who do not stay behind pilot vehicles or obey all work zone traffic control patterns.
Trooper Jacob Rhymestine with PSP Troop G said, “A person who passes a pilot vehicle could be found in violation of several sections of the motor vehicle code, including Obedience to Authorized Persons Directing Traffic, Obedience to Traffic-control Devices, and Duty of Driver in Construction and Maintenance Areas. Drivers are required to exercise due care in work areas. Penalties increase in active work zones, and fines are doubled for certain violations committed in a work zone.”
PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike launched a new, statewide training program last year to improve new driver safety and roadway worker protection. Pennsylvania’s New Driver Work Zone Safety Program is a training project that uses engaging videos, infographics, knowledge checks, and powerful testimonials to teach new drivers work zone laws, signage, and key facts, in addition to offering real-life scenarios to enhance understanding. While aimed at younger drivers, it can be helpful for drivers of all ages and experiences levels. For more information on the New Driver Work Zone Safety Program, visit Young Driver (pa.gov).
Distracted and aggressive driving are leading factors in work zones crashes. According to PennDOT data, in 2024 there were 1,250 work zone crashes, resulting in 22 fatalities and 785 injuries. Data shows that of the 22 work zone fatalities last year, 18 of those were members of the traveling public, and not highway workers.
The PennDOT workers’ memorial pays tribute to those who have lost their lives while improving and maintaining Pennsylvania’s infrastructure. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 93 workers in the line of duty.
For more on all of PennDOT’s highway safety initiatives visit https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety
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CONTACT: Timothy Nebgen, tnebgen@pa.gov or 814-765-0598, or Steve Harmic, sharmic@pa.gov or 814-496-6189.