On our way from Chicago to Valparaiso, Indiana, we encountered a “Work Zone” and both Liz and I remembered that Illinois recently re-enforced its strict fines for workzone violations. With new photo-equipped vans, first time offenders are hit with a $375 fine. A second offense triggers a $1,000 fine along wiht a loss of license for 90 days.
At the time, we weren’t sure whether we were in Indiana or Illinois (or if Indiana had similar fines). Since Liz had an odd experience a few days ago (we think she might have been photographed speeding in a work zone), we decided to play things safe and followed the posted speed limit of 45 MPH.
Here’s the thing though: we were the ONLY people following the posted speed limit. In the work zone, things were squished to two fairly narrow lanes… and so I kept to the right, to allow for people to pass on my left.
And pass they did. It got to the point where, fearing for our safety, I threw on our blinkers because we were only going 42 MPH the whole time. Everyone else, and I mean everyone else, passed us on the left.
At the time, we had two thoughts: either we were the smartest people on the road, or we were the most idiotic people on the road. For the first 5 minute we felt like we were crazy (it was a Saturday, there were no workers around, and no blinking lights on any of the signs). But halfway through the work zone we spotted a handful of workers, and felt somewhat vindicated.
Here’s the thing though: as we were the only ones following the posted speed limit, I actually felt like we were a hazard. Let’s ignore all the crazy fines and the Illinois-specific issues for a moment. By adhering to the signs posted to ensure worker safety, I didn’t feel like we were helping to keep things safe. With our reduced speed, I felt like we were more likely to cause an accident.
What was the right thing to do? Keep with the flow of traffic, but possibly incur a (additional?) $375 fine? Or kept at the posted, legal speed limit while grandmothers and trucks zip past, in the left lane?
Smart or stupid? Curious what you would have done here.
I hate that. I hate that in the city, too. When you are following the law and are made to feel like you are breaking by other other drivers. I think you did the right thing. If Liz does get a ticket for the other day, and then something would have happened, you’d be kicking yourself. I’d have done the same thing.