State Senator Thomas A. Colapietro
May 1, 2008
Colapietro Welcomes Senate Approval of Tougher Penalties For Drivers Who Endanger Highway Workers
In a unanimous vote by consent tonight, the Connecticut Senate approved stiff new penalties for drivers who endanger highway workers, a move that state Senator Thomas A. Colapietro (D-Bristol) applauded.
"We heard awful stories in public hearing this year from people who lost a loved one when a dangerous driver decided to drive through a work zone," said Senator Colapietro, who sits on the Transportation Committee. "I'm very glad that the Senate unanimously approved this bill, and I urge the House to take this up before the end of the session. We need to do all we can to protect workers in highway work zones. This bill is a step in the right direction."
Specifically, the legislation creates two new penalties for drivers who engage in reckless behavior in designated highway work zones. A person commits the offense "endangerment of a highway worker" when, in a work zone, they:
- Exceed the posted speed limit by 15 miles per hour or more;
- Pass another vehicle;
- Fail to stop for a flag person or fail to obey a traffic control device;
- Drive through or around the zone in any lane not clearly designated for traffic;
- Physically assault, attempt to assault or threaten to assault a highway worker with a motor vehicle or other instrument;
- Intentionally strike, move or alter barrels, barriers, signs, or other devices that control traffic flow and protect workers for any reason other than emergency, avoiding an obstacle or protecting another person's health and safety; or
- Committing any of the following: leaving the scene of an accident, careless and imprudent driving, operating without a valid license, operating with a suspended or revoked license, operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol or committing a felony involving the use of a motor vehicle.
A person commits the offense of "aggravated endangerment of a highway worker" when convicted of any of the above acts in a designated work zone and a worker is seriously injured or killed. Drivers convicted of endangerment of a highway worker are subject up to a $1,000 fine. A conviction of aggravated endangerment of a highway worker is subject of a fine up to $5,000 for injuring a worker and $10,000 for the death of a worker in addition to any other penalty authorized by law.
The legislation also creates a Highway Work Zone Safety Advisory Council, which will make ongoing recommendations to improve safety for workers, public safety officers and motor vehicle operators in a highway work zone.
The measure-Senate Bill 285-now moves to the state House of Representatives for consideration.
The 2008 regular legislative session adjourns on May 7.
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