One of the incidents from a crash in late August

The Greene County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in traffic-related crashes on Highway 30.

Greene County Sheriff Jack Williams says recently there have been five rear-ending collisions in Greene County, some in the construction zone between Jefferson and Scranton. He points out all incidents have been attributable to cell phone use. He reminds motorists to not be looking at their cell phones, especially in construction zones, where there is plenty of signage warning motorists of upcoming traffic disruptions.

“Just make sure when you see those orange signs you actually pay attention to what you’re doing and not to your phone. It’s a ‘hands-free’ state so stay off your phone so we don’t have any more accidents. We’ve had one fatality and four with injuries due to cell phone usage on the highway.” 

He advises everyone that when entering a construction zone, to obey the speed limit and be alert of when traffic is temporarily stopped. He reminds everyone that fines also double in a construction zone.