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Colorado overdoes its cone zones

Colorado has subscribed to the “Fines doubled in revenue zones” model without adding the “when workers are actually present” disclaimer of other states. Why is it that a half-mile (or less) of construction, e.g., east of Pagosa Springs, warrants 10 miles of orange cones and reduced speeds? Is this about safety or revenue generation? Or is it because firms that rent cones and supply chain-smoking flaggers to the state want to rent as many cones as possible for as long as possible?

Like the nationwide 55 mph limit of years ago, all they’re doing is causing drivers to ignore them – engendering disrespect for traffic laws in general – and making money writing tickets to the few who get caught. Shouldn’t the goal be to actually keep workers safe? You do that by putting cones and flaggers around actual construction sites, not five miles before and after, where the paving machine may be a week from now.

Wade Nelson

Arboles



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