Michigan's highway workers have been given another small measure of safety from state lawmakers.

Last year, Michigan became the first state in the nation to adopt stiffer penalties for motorists who injure or kill highway construction workers. That law created penalties of up to one year in prison for injury and up to 15 years for killing a highway construction or maintenance worker.

Another measure to increase penalties in a work zone was signed into law April 8 and takes effect July 1, 2002. P.A. 149 increases driver points for speeding in a work zone. For instance, a motorist found speeding between 11-15 mph over the speed limit will get four points under the new rule instead of three.

"It's quite simple - by slowing down and staying alert in work zones you can save more than just the cost of a ticket; you can save a life," said Michigan Attorney General Jennifer Granholm. "Michigan's new, tougher penalties show how serious we are about keeping work zones safe for everyone."

There are more than 6,000 work-zone crashes every year in Michigan and nearly 2,000 injuries each year. Impatience, speeding and driver inattention are the leading factors in work-zone crashes. Nationwide each year more than 80 percent of all fatalities in work-zone crashes are motor vehicle occupants.

The Michigan Department of Transportation has several new initiatives to help keep work zones safe. Research indicates that when police are in work zones, traffic really slows down. That's why again this year, MDOT will expand its effort to invest at least $350,000 in work-zone law enforcement patrols. Also, 2002 will be the first year that county and local law enforcement agencies are eligible to receive the funding, along with Michigan State Police.

"For the safety of workers and motorists, it is essential to drive carefully, especially through work zones," said MSP Lieutenant Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant. "Motorists should obey posted speed limits and other traffic control directions. Our troopers will be monitoring work zones, and taking enforcement action on drivers who violate the law."

Labor unions, contractors, law enforcement and government officials held a press conference at the state Capitol earlier this month to heighten awareness for maintaining safe driving conditions through Michigan work zones.

The Give 'em a Brake campaign has been in place for the last several years, and will spend more than $200,000 on a public awareness campaign in 2002, which includes statewide billboards, radio and television spots. In addition to the media campaign, MDOT has additional tools to keep work zones safer. The department will reduce speeds in 10 mph increments when necessary and continue to use "Do Not Pass" signs and enforcement to curb aggressive driving in selected work-zone areas. Motorists should merge early and watch for the signs in the merge lane that is closed ahead.

"Please respect the reduced speed limits in construction zones; this is our workplace," said Gary Jorgensen, business manager, Michigan Laborers District Council.