October 13, 2008 -- Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm signed two new laws into effect last week that will provide stiffer penalties for injuring or killing another person in a Michigan road construction work zone. The legislation (Public Acts 296 and 297 of 2008) will impose fines of up to $7,500 in fines and 15 years in jail, for motorists who injure or kill anyone in a road construction work zone. Previously, under Andy's Law, similar penalties were applicable if a motorist injured or killed a road (or highway) worker.
"This legislation not only continues to protect our workers, but it protects the public as well," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "Unfortunately, the vast majority (95 percent) of the fatalities that occurred in work zones in 2007 involved motorists and their passengers. We hope that the potential for such stiff penalties will help motorists focus more closely on their responsibility to drive safely through construction zones, which will create a safer environment for everyone."
House Bill 4468 (2008 PA 296), which was introduced by Rep. Pam Byrnes, extends the penalties to motorists who hit anyone in a work zone, and House Bill 4469 (2008 PA 297), which was introduced by Rep. Barb Byrum, provides sentencing guidelines for motorists who cause injury or death to another person in a work zone.
More detailed information about the new legislation is online at www.legislature.mi.gov.
Protect Michigan families: Where Workers Present Drive 45! - A message from MDOT and Michigan's Give 'em a Brake Safety Coalition
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