HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania House of Representatives took a significant step toward enhancing road safety by passing House Bill 257, a bipartisan initiative designed to educate new drivers on navigating work zones. The legislation, authored by House Transportation Committee Chair Rep. Ed Neilson, now advances to the state Senate for review.
House Bill 257 aims to address the hazards associated with highway work zones by requiring PennDOT to include information on work zone safety as part of its driver education materials. The legislation mandates that new drivers watch an instructional program about work zone safety before applying for a junior driver’s license and ensures that at least one question about safe driving practices in work zones appears on the state’s driver’s license exam. This measure seeks to establish fundamental safety knowledge among inexperienced drivers, ultimately reducing accidents and protecting road workers.
“Road workers deserve protective measures to ease their worry about potential safety risks. They work hard, sometimes in the extreme heat and cold, to ensure that roads and bridges across the state are safe and efficient,” said Rep. Neilson. “Educating new drivers on the best practices while driving through work zones instills safe driving habits from the moment they apply for their driver’s permit.”
According to PennDOT data, 91 highway workers have lost their lives in work zones since 1970. The combination of lane shifts, sudden stops, flashing lights, barriers, and signage can create overwhelming conditions for inexperienced drivers, increasing the potential for harmful or fatal incidents. The proposed requirements in H.B. 257 aim to mitigate these risks through preventative education.
The bill garnered significant bipartisan support in the House, reinforcing shared commitment among lawmakers to prioritize the safety of both roadway workers and drivers statewide. By enhancing driver preparedness and awareness, Pennsylvania could serve as a model for proactive measures to reduce highway work zone accidents.
House Bill 257 now heads to the state Senate for further consideration. Its adoption could provide additional protections for road crews and solidify Pennsylvania’s stance on improving safety through education, potentially paving the way for fewer tragedies in work zones.
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