LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Mark E. Huizenga’s legislation to authorize flashing lights and a digital speed limit display when road workers are present will enable motorists to provide greater protection for the workers and was approved by the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.
“As we debate about how to fix our roads, we must ensure we are doing everything possible to keep the workers who are actually doing the work safe,” said Huizenga, R-Walker. “Having drivers reduce their speed when workers are present can decrease the likelihood of a tragic accident. One problem is that drivers do not always see the road crews until they are close. By increasing the visibility of these signs and the information on them, we can help increase the protection of our road workers.”
In Michigan, the speed limits for freeway work zones change depending on whether workers are present. For these zones, House Bill 5286 would 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.
HB 5286 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
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