McMaster Signs Highway Workers’ Safety Act into Law

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster signed the Highway Workers’ Safety Act into law on Wednesday. House Bill H. 4033 increases penalties for drivers who speed through roadwork construction zones.

“We cannot bring back those men and women we have lost, but this legislation stands as a severe warning to all motorists as they approach work zones that they could be putting the lives of highway workers – and their own lives in jeopardy,” said Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall. “This new law gives significant and true meaning to our motto; Let ‘em Work, Let’em Live.”

According to the SCDOT, there have been a total of 39 workers who were killed in work zones throughout the agency’s history.

This legislation is designed to significantly increase the penalties for motorists who speed through work zones above the posted limits. The fines range from $500 to $5,000 for endangering a highway worker without injury, to causing bodily harm, to the death of a highway worker. The fines collected for these offenses will be used to provide more law enforcement officers who will focus on patrolling work zones.

Secretary of Transportation Christy Hall said this act provides a significant step in protecting highway workers.