LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark E. Huizenga’s legislation to provide greater protection for road workers by authorizing flashing lights and a digital speed limit display when workers are present was signed Tuesday by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“This new law will ensure we are doing everything possible to keep our workers safe as they work to fix our roads,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “Having drivers reduce their speed when workers are present can decrease the likelihood of a tragic accident, but sometimes drivers don’t see the road crews until they are too close. By allowing these modified signs, we can better inform drivers about the presence of workers so they can follow the law and protect lives.”
In Michigan, speed limits for freeway work zones change depending on whether workers are present. For these zones, House Bill 5286, now Public Act 52 of 2022, will allow the speed limit sign to include lights that flash when workers are at the site and a digital display to indicate the current speed limit.
Huizenga introduced the bill in 2021 before being elected to the state Senate in November.
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Editor’s note: The above photograph of Huizenga is available by clicking on the image or by visiting https://www.SenatorMarkHuizenga.com/photos/.
Photo caption: Sen. Mark E. Huizenga, R-Walker, stands next to an example of a sign that incorporates flashing lights and a digital display. Before joining the Senate late last year, Huizenga sponsored House Bill 5286 to allow speed limit signs to include lights that flash when workers are at the site and a digital display to indicate the current speed limit. Give ‘Em A Brake Safety in Grandville brought the signage to Lansing and provided testimony when the bill was taken up by the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Tuesday signed the bill, which is now Public Act 52 of 2022.