Senator Richardville offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 154.

            A resolution to designate May 22, 2014, as Michigan Roadside Safety Awareness Day.

            Whereas, Construction projects, including those that occur in and around roadways, are in full swing in Michigan due to the arrival of warmer weather; and

            Whereas, While those who are required to work in and around roadways, such as road/bridge workers, utility workers, telecommunication providers, waste haulers, general construction workers, and others, deploy many safety devices when doing so, including warning lights, signage, cones, and barrels, accidents still occur; and

            Whereas, About 100 workers are killed in roadside accidents across the nation in an average year, and Michigan construction zone and utility-related crashes in 2013 totaled 4,080, along with 10 fatalities and 107 serious injuries; and

            Whereas, Public Act No. 103 of 2001 established penalties for injuring or killing a highway construction or maintenance worker and is known as “Andy’s Law,” in honor of construction worker Andrew Lefko, who was seriously injured in a 1999 crash in a southeast Michigan construction zone. In 2006, the Michigan Legislature enhanced Andy’s Law to define work zones for which violations can trigger the more severe penalties; and

            Whereas, Public Act No. 464 of 2008 requires drivers to use caution when approaching a service vehicle in a roadway, such as a stationary solid waste collection vehicle, utility service vehicle, or a road maintenance vehicle, with flashing, rotating, or oscillating amber lights; and

            Whereas, Roadside service providers have safety teams working to identify and enhance roadside safety for their employees through deployment of additional safety equipment and procedures; and

            Whereas, These providers continue  to seek ways to enhance awareness for everyone working in and around roadways so that drivers will take heed, slow down, and go around to help keep them safe; and

            Whereas, Utility public service announcements will accompany other safety messages on TV and radio to raise public awareness about keeping workers safe by obeying laws and slowing down in construction zones; not texting or allowing other distractions when traveling through these areas; and being vigilant about keeping workers safe while in and near roadways; and

            Whereas, An event is being held in Lansing to share this important and lifesaving information with legislators, the general public, and media; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body recognize May 22, 2014, as Roadside Safety Awareness Day in Michigan.