NY legislation aimed at bolstering highway worker safety

Albany, NY — Two separate bills recently introduced in New York state are both aimed at protecting workers and drivers in highway work zones.

Under one bill, S9884, at least two photo speed violation monitoring systems would be required in all highway construction or maintenance work areas.

The other bill, S9883, would allow the state to increase penalties for drivers who fail to slow down or change lanes in violation of the state’s “Move Over” law.

Both bills are sponsored by Sen. George Borrello (R-Jamestown).

S9884 would expand the state’s Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Program, which last year issued around 130,000 tickets for speeding violations in work zones, Borrello told The Wellsville Sun. He also noted that the state recorded 144 injuries and three fatalities in work zones as a result of drivers exceeding the speed limit.

Current state law, according to the Aug. 13 report, limits speed monitoring to 30 sites at a time – 10 on the New York State Thruway and 20 on state highways.

Under the new fine structure proposed by S9883, an initial conviction would result in a $450 fine. A second conviction within 18 months would result in a $600 fine and the driver would have six points added to their license and be liable for a driver responsibility assessment. A third conviction within 18 months would lead to a $750 fine, a year of imprisonment or both depending on the severity of the violation.

Both bills were referred to the Senate Rules Committee on July 31.