Pennsylvania Gov. Mark Schweiker Oct. 3 accepted the Task Force Report on Truck Safety Strategy and called for the General Assembly to pass a bill increasing penalties for truck and car drivers who violate work zone laws.

Gov. Schweiker: "We will no longer tolerate dangerous heavy truck and automobile drivers. This bill sends a clear message: If you put other people's lives in danger, you're going to pay the price."

The legislation (HB 2410) would increase penalties for drivers who cause serious bodily injury or the death of a person in a work zone. It provides for a 15-day suspension of a license for any driver who commits an accident reported by law enforcement to PENNDOT; and a 15-day license suspension for any driver who speeds in excess of 11 mph or more in an active work zone.

The bill doubles fines for traffic offenses committed in active work zones; making it a summary offense for a driver to operate a motor carrier vehicle, bus or school bus with faulty brake equipment.

The bill also extends motor carrier vehicle safety requirements to a new weight class of trucks, truck tractors and combination rigs. In addition, there are tougher safety-certification, inspection and registration renewal requirements for motor carrier vehicles and increased monetary penalties for motor carrier vehicles other than trailers that operate under a suspended registration.