LANSING – The Michigan House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation on Tuesday that will extend penalties for all accidents occurring in a construction zone, regardless of whether a construction worker is involved.
"There are stiff penalties in place for those who injure or kill construction workers in work zones – but everyone in a work zone deserves the same protection under the law," said State Representative Kate Ebli (D-Monroe). "These bills will help increase awareness of construction-zone accidents, while giving us the ability to fully prosecute those who recklessly break the law."
According to the Michigan Department of Transportation, there were 6,323 work zone crashes, 1,751 injuries and 22 fatalities in 2004 – twice as many deaths as the prior year.
More than 1,000 people are killed each year in the nation's highway work zones.
"Unfortunately, aggressive driving is an increasingly dangerous reality on Michigan highways," Ebli said. "This plan provides the tools needed to strengthen protections for motorists."