In Lansing, Michigan, a concerning trend has emerged. According to the Michigan State Police, a staggering number of 8,000 construction work-zone-related crashes took place in 2023, accompanied by 24 fatalities. This highlights the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in these areas.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer's Initiative

To address this critical issue and make work zones a bit safer, Governor Gretchen Whitmer took significant action. On Tuesday, she signed two bills into law, which will implement work zone safety cameras on state highways. This move is expected to bring about a positive change in the behavior of motorists and enhance overall safety.The Michigan Infrastructure and Transportation Association (MITA) has been actively involved in this matter. Lance Binoniemi, the Vice President of Government Affairs at MITA, emphasizes the importance of these safety cameras. He states that in states where similar laws were adopted, there was a notable impact. "We have found that not only do speeds change, but people start to pay more attention as they’re aware that they are being monitored by a camera within their speed," said Binoniemi. "That’s all that we ask – that motorists change their behavior and really pay attention to those individuals who are on the other side of the orange barrels."MITA is hopeful that crews will begin using cameras in road work zones by the 2025 construction season. However, it is anticipated that it may take until 2026 for the full implementation and impact of these cameras to be felt.These work zone safety cameras are set to play a crucial role in reducing the number of crashes and ensuring the safety of construction workers and motorists alike. With the implementation of these laws, Michigan is taking a significant step forward in creating safer work zones on its state highways.The Michigan State Police's data clearly shows the severity of the problem, and the actions taken by Governor Whitmer and MITA offer hope for a safer future. It is essential that motorists understand the importance of following speed limits and paying attention in work zones to prevent tragic accidents.As we move forward, it is crucial to monitor the effectiveness of these safety cameras and continue to explore ways to improve work zone safety. With the collective efforts of the government, transportation associations, and motorists, we can make a significant difference in reducing construction work-zone-related crashes and saving lives.