Work Zone Safety (SB 131)
Changed to reflect updated statistics from ODOT
Patton’s “Move Over” Highway Bill to Prevent Accidents
COLUMBUS– State Senator Tom Patton (R–Strongsville) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 137, legislation he sponsored requiring drivers to move over or slow down upon approaching particular highway construction vehicles. The bill is designed as an additional safeguard to protect workers and drivers during highway maintenance and inspections.
“Over the years we have lost 164 road workers due to drivers whizzing by construction and utility workers at highway speeds, and this April marked the 164th death,” said Patton, who serves as Vice Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “It’s time to protect the mothers and fathers who work day and night constructing our roads. By getting drivers to simply slow down or move over for a construction vehicle, we can ensure more of those men and women make it home safely to their families at night.”
Current law already requires drivers to move over or drastically reduce their speed when approaching a law enforcement or emergency response vehicle. Senate Bill 137 would extend that safeguard to stationary highway maintenance vehicles and PUCO inspection vehicles.
Patton’s legislation states that upon approaching a highway maintenance vehicle that is either stationary or displaying appropriate visual signs, such as flashing lights, the driver must either change lanes or, if it is not possible to change lanes, cautiously proceed at a reduced speed.
The bill will now proceed to the House for further consideration.
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Senator Tom Patton represents Ohio’s 24th Senate District, which contains a portion of Cuyahoga County. He currently serves as the Majority Floor Leader and the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Highways and Transportation. To learn more, visit www.ohiosenate.gov/patton.