Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich wants to add radar-activated cameras to work zones along the Illinois Tollway to catch speeders, his office announced recently.

Under the proposal, speeders could face fines as high as $1,000. Minimum fines for first offenders increase to $375, and to $750 for second offense. Some offenders could face a 90-day suspension of their driver’s license.

Motorists whose speeding leads to a death face even more serious penalties. Under the new law, those speeders could face a prison term from three to 14 years and a $10,000 fine.  If two people are killed, the motorist’s sentence could be doubled, the governor’s office said in a release.

“I know most Illinois drivers respect the hard work of roadway workers across the state by slowing down in construction zones,” Gov. Blagojevich said in a statement. “Unfortunately, there are a few drivers out there who don’t seem to understand just how dangerous speeding through a work zone can be.”

According to state figures, 46 drivers, passengers and workers died in accidents linked to highway work during the past year alone.

In addition to radar cameras, a number of Illinois Department of Transportation trucks would be manned by out-of-uniform state troopers with radar equipment, who will use the technology to monitor speeds in the work zone.

Drivers would receive a warning of the increased enforcement. Additional signs would be placed in the work zones, some of which would list the possible penalties for violating the work zone speed limit.

The proposal is contained in HB7015. The bill, introduced by Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Rock Island, passed the House April 1 by a vote of 113-2. It is now before the Senate Rules Committee.