Increases penalties for certain speed violations

Showing the cosponsors who are on Agora, A to Z. The official record may list more.

• Democratic34
• Republican3

This bill has cosponsors from more than one party.

Shown in neutral colors by design; Agora is non-partisan.

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jeremy Cooney says this is needed

This legislation is critical to better protect both highway workers and motorists. Construction and maintenance workers face significant risks while working on roadways, and these dangers are exacerbated by driver negligence. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of 132 work- ers are killed each year in work zone crashes, with thousands more suffering injuries. In 2020 alone, nearly 850 fatalities occurred in work zone crashes across the United States, with speeding and failure to yield being among the leading contributing factors. Speeding in work zones significantly increases the risk of severe accidents, as reduced speeds allow drivers more time to react to unexpected obstacles and changing road conditions. The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse highlights that drivers who speed are more likely to lose control of their vehicles or fail to stop in time to avoid collisions. The last time fines for speeding in work zones were increased in New York was in the early 2000s. Since then, traffic volumes, roadwork demands, size and weight of vehicles, and the risks to workers have increased significantly. However, the penalties for these offenses have not kept pace with the growing dangers. A 2023 study by the National Safety Council found that nearly half of all drivers admit to speeding in work zones. By increas- ing these penalties, New York can send a strong message that such reck- less driving will no longer be tolerated. Enhanced penalties will serve as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to follow speed limits and move over for roadside workers, thereby reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.