Move Over or Get Pulled Over, Police Targeting Work Zone Violations

“It was a horrible tragedy,” was how road contractor Bobby Garone described the death of a worker at one of his company’s roadway construction projects. “The roadways are dangerous.”

He was flanked by county officials at a press conference to drive home the message of “Move over or get pulled over” and announce that Suffolk police will step up enforcement at construction sites over the next two weeks.

“We don’t want to see accidents on our roads. We want people to be safe,” said County Executive Ed Romaine, who implored drivers to “slow down, pay attention, and don’t speed.”

Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina reminded motorists that the fine for not moving over when approaching a construction zone can be up to $150 and cost two points on a driver’s license. The law also applies to any vehicle stopped on the shoulder. “We will be actively enforcing the law.”

According to the commissioner, tickets for nearly 800 work zone violations have been issued so far this year, with school zone violations also up. Fines can be doubled for speeding in a work zone, Catalina noted.

“The very lives of our citizens are in danger,” Legislator Dominick Thorne said at the Blue Point press conference, where Garone’s crew was repaving Middle Road. “Slow down. The life you save may be someone you know or love, or it could be your own. Move over or get pulled over.”

The safety push follows an Aug. 10 crash in Nesconset in which three construction workers preparing for a county paving project were struck near Townline and Terry roads. Joel Sicon-Porix, 38, of Mastic, was killed, while Kevin Chavez-Sarmiento, 30, of Bay Shore, and Jose Gonzalez-Colindres, 33, of Brentwood, suffered serious injuries. Police charged Thomas Lobianco, 26, of Lake Ronkonkoma, with driving while ability impaired by drugs after authorities said he drove the wrong way on Townline Road, ran a red light and mounted the sidewalk before striking the workers.

“These guys can tell you what happens when you speed through a work zone,” Romaine said, pointing to the workers who joined the press conference. “Don’t think you can just bulldoze through. We don’t like giving out tickets, but the law will be enforced.”

Also attending the media event were Rudy Sunderman, the county’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services commissioner, Suffolk Legislators Jim Mazzarella, Sal Formica and Anthony Piccirillo, the legislature’s presiding officer. “Get off your phone, pay attention, drive safe,” Piccirillo said.