WASHINGTON — Speeding tickets issued to motorists in work zones in Maryland appear to be down significantly in 2012 compared with last year.

A review of state data by AAA Mid-Atlantic shows that by the end of November, the state had used mobile speed cameras to hand out more than 365,000 tickets in work zones.

In 2011, nearly half a million tickets were given to speeders in work zones.

AAA notes that the state has fewer large-scale highway construction projects underway this year. But the auto club says drivers also seem to be modifying their behavior and learning to slow down.

John Townsend of AAA says the state is making “real progress in highway work zone safety.” Crashes, fatalities and injuries are all down since the speed camera program was implemented.

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