State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo
May 6, 2008
DeFronzo, Guerrera: Measure Designed to Protect Highway Workers
House approves in unanimous final action, co-chairs call for governor's signature
Following unanimous approval in the state House of Representatives last night, the co-chairs of the General Assembly's Transportation Committee today called on Governor M. Jodi Rell to sign legislation that creates stiff penalties for drivers who endanger highway workers. State Senator Donald J. DeFronzo (D-New Britain) and Representative Antonio Guerrera (D-Rocky Hill) said that the measure--Senate Bill 285--will help protect workers who face significant hazards from reckless drivers while at work.
"In Connecticut, hundreds of workers are in serious hazard as they work on our highways each day," said Senator DeFronzo. "This legislation is a step in the right direction and will help to protect those at risk of injury from dangerous and reckless behavior behind-the-wheel. I urge the governor to act favorably on this bill."
"This is a good bill and an important bill," Representative Guerrera said. "There are too many tragic accidents on our highways involving workers. This is a step forward to maintaining safety measures that protect people at work on our highways. The unanimous approval in the House last night only shows how important this is."
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 now moves to the governor for consideration. The 2008 regular legislative session adjourns tomorrow, May 7.
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