National Work Zone Awareness Week, taking place April 21 to 25, is an annual spring campaign held at the start of construction season to encourage safe driving through highway work zones. The campaign’s theme, “respect the zone so we all get home,” serves as an important reminder for drivers to slow their vehicles and stay alert through work zones so both roadway workers and motorists get home safely.
To help reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities in work zones, motorists are reminded to obey all speed limits, avoid distractions, and maintain extra space between their vehicle and the one in front of them. Additionally, navigation apps and similar resources can help drivers be aware of upcoming work zones before they hit the road. When possible, motorists should research their route ahead of time and use detours or alternative roads to avoid these areas if needed.
Reminder: Public Act 149 of 2002 increased the number of points assessed for speeding in a work zone:
- 3 points for speeding 10 mph or less over the posted limit.
- 4 points for speeding more than 10 mph but not more than 15 mph over the limit.
- 5 points for speeding more than 15 mph over the limit.
Motorists who accumulate 12 or more points in a two-year period will be required to undergo a driver assessment reexamination with the Michigan Secretary of State. Depending on the outcome of the reexamination, the driver's license may be restricted, suspended or revoked.
Finally, Public Act 103, known as Andy's Law, took effect Oct. 1, 2001. The law creates penalties of up to one year in prison for injuring and up to 15 years in prison for killing a highway construction or maintenance worker. It also imposes a maximum penalty of $7,500. The law is named for Andrew Lefko, a 19-year-old who was left paralyzed after being hit while working on I-275 in Metro Detroit.
For more information, please contact BTPD at 248-433-7755 or Email BTPD.