The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission has kicked off its annual “Go Orange” campaign, an education and awareness campaign that showcases the turnpike’s commitment to safety and urges drivers to slow down, pay attention in work zones and consider the vulnerability of highway workers.

The campaign runs from May to October and will include a special commemoration remembering those who have died in the line of duty.

“This campaign emphasizes our daily commitment to making the Pennsylvania Turnpike safer for everyone who travels on it, including our maintenance crews who are within inches of passing vehicles,” said Mark Compton, CEO for the PA Turnpike. “Safety is our top priority and is embedded into everything we do. As more drivers choose to take advantage of the Pennsylvania Turnpike during the summer months, these efforts remind drivers to slow down, stay alert and commit to roadway safety by removing distractions and keeping their attention on driving at all times.”

The turnpike released the following statistics:

• More than 40 Pennsylvania Turnpike workers have died while performing their duties.

• More than 12,000 citations and more than 12,000 warnings were issued by the Pennsylvania State Police to motorists in PA Turnpike Work Zones in 2023

• 214 total crashes in PA Turnpike Work Zones in 2023

• Reckless driving can cost you: $200 in fines, court costs and supplemental charges, five points on your license and possible jail time.

• The PA Turnpike operates more than 560 miles of roadway, and more than 200 million people choose to travel on the PA Turnpike every year – more than 500,000 drivers daily. Despite a record-breaking low of traffic fatalities in 2019, and fewer cars on the road in 2020, deaths on Pennsylvania roadways have increased 15% from 2019 until 2022.

Safety is a top priority and core value for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. As part of its commitment to safety, the turnpike operates a variety of safety initiatives, including the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera Program, five District Safety Committees and Safety Days for its employees.

The GEICO Safety Patrol is another safety initiative of the PA Turnpike, providing a fleet of safety patrol vehicles that provide roadside assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to customers.

The patrol actively surveils the roadway, responds to incidents, and communicates with the Turnpike Operations Center regarding any other needed response. Customers can access this assistance by dialing *11 when on the turnpike.

The PA Turnpike kicked off the Go Orange campaign by displaying its Lost Worker Memorial outside of Turnpike headquarters and will have it displayed during the summer at various spots throughout Pennsylvania.

The turnpike is encouraging its employees and the public to wear orange on Wednesdays to show their support and remind motorists to always drive safely through work zones.