Bill Aims To Increase Safety For Roadway Workers

The Ohio House this week approved a Senate-passed bill requiring drivers approaching construction and maintenance vehicles to slow down and shift lanes if possible. Current law requires motorists to slow down and change lanes if possible when nearing emergency vehicles on the roadside. The bill would apply when motorists approach construction, maintenance and public utilities vehicles parked on the side of the road with their alert lights on. The Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission say the measure would boost safety for roadway workers. Motorists have had more than 600 collisions with ODOT vehicles and equipment since 2008.