How Suffolk, VA, Pioneered Work Zone Safety with Automated Speed Enforcement

Creating Safer Work Zones: Altumint and Suffolk, VA

In 2023, Altumint partnered with the City of Suffolk, Virginia, to launch the state’s first automated speed enforcement program for work zones. The program aimed to address a growing issue: the dangers posed by speeding drivers in construction zones.

The Work Zone Safety Challenge

Work zone fatalities in the U.S. have increased by 52% since 2010, with over 50 worker-pedestrians killed annually after being struck by vehicles in these areas. Virginia has also experienced tragic losses, with 28 work zone fatalities recorded in 2022 alone. Despite reduced speeds in some work zones, most drivers fail to slow to the posted limits, significantly increasing risks to workers.

Automated speed enforcement has proven to be an effective solution for changing driver behavior. For example, New York City reported a 30% decline in speeding, injuries, and fatalities in areas with speed cameras after implementing 24/7 enforcement. Inspired by these successes, Suffolk set out to create safer work zones through technology-driven enforcement.

Implementing the Program

Altumint worked closely with Suffolk leaders to design a program that met the requirements of Virginia’s State Code 46.2-882. This included:

• Speed Studies: Conducting an analysis to validate the need for enforcement.
• Key Stakeholder Partnerships: Collaborating with city officials, law enforcement, and community members to ensure program success.
• Advanced Technology: Deploying AI-powered cameras to capture high-resolution images of violators exceeding the speed limit by 10+ mph. These images were processed using Altumint’s Vioview platform, which seamlessly integrates with police workflows.

Violators fund the program through citations, with a portion of revenues allocated to the city for traffic safety initiatives.

Overcoming Challenges

As Virginia’s first program of its kind, public education and awareness were critical. Altumint’s Public Information & Education (PI&E) program provided Suffolk with the resources needed to inform residents about the program’s purpose, benefits, and processes.

Key PI&E initiatives included:

• Custom communication plans tailored to Suffolk’s community.
• Templated assets for social media, print campaigns, and web content.
• Press release templates and direct support from Altumint’s marketing team.

Results

In just six months, Suffolk experienced a 56% reduction in speeding within work zones. The program not only improved safety but also allowed police officers to focus on other critical duties, as Altumint’s technology streamlined violation identification and citation management.

Major Cassandra Garvin of the Suffolk Police Department noted: “Having technology that is a force multiplier allows us to spread our resources more widely.”

In recognition of the program’s success and impact, Altumint submitted Suffolk’s story to the National Safety Council’s Green Cross for Safety award. The project was honored as a finalist, showcasing its innovation and effectiveness in promoting traffic safety and protecting work zone pedestrians.

Looking Ahead

Altumint’s success in Suffolk demonstrates the life-saving potential of automated speed enforcement. As Altumint CEO Holly Cooper explained:

“This is about helping people realize that driving responsibly matters—not just for their own safety, but for the safety of others. These cameras can literally save lives.“

Through similar programs nationwide, Altumint aims to foster safer communities, reduce speeding, and protect workers in construction zones.

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