Oklahoma launches new program allowing certain traffic citations to be dismissed after drivers complete online safety course focused on safe driving in construction areas 

Oklahoma – The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety has introduced a new program designed to educate drivers about the dangers of highway construction zones and encourage safer driving around road crews.

The Work Zone Citation Forgiveness Program was created through legislation passed by the Oklahoma State Legislature under the Operation Work Zone Awareness Act.

The program gives eligible motorists the opportunity to have certain work-zone traffic citations dismissed after completing an online safety course focused on safe driving practices in construction areas.

Oklahoma Highway Safety Office Director Paul Harris outlined the new program and explained how the legislation works during its introduction.

Oklahoma Highway Patrol Colonel Joe Williams also spoke about the importance of educating drivers and protecting the men and women who work along Oklahoma highways.

The online course focuses on the dangers faced by highway workers and includes safety statistics, personal stories and information about the importance of slowing down, staying alert and following safe driving practices when traveling through work zones.

Officials said the program is intended to take a different approach to addressing preventable crashes and fatalities in highway construction areas by focusing on driver education and behavior.

Rather than treating a work-zone citation solely as a penalty, the program provides eligible drivers with an opportunity to learn more about the risks faced by highway workers and the consequences of unsafe driving in construction zones.

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety also thanked the Oklahoma Legislature and others involved in developing and implementing the program.

Officials emphasized that the program is intended to do more than address individual traffic citations.

The goal is to educate drivers, encourage safer behavior and help protect highway workers who face potentially dangerous conditions while working alongside moving traffic.

The launch comes as Oklahoma continues efforts to raise awareness about work-zone safety and reduce crashes involving road construction crews and other workers on the state’s highways.