WASHINGTON, D.C. — A bipartisan bill introduced in the U.S. Senate aims to reduce deaths and injuries among first responders and roadside workers by requiring stronger safety planning, better data tracking, and increased public awareness.
What This Means for You
- States could face new requirements to track and respond to work zone injuries and deaths
- Public safety campaigns may increase enforcement of “Slow Down, Move Over” laws
- Future infrastructure projects may be required to include worker safety protections
The Safe Roads for Those Who Serve Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., and Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., seeks to address risks faced by workers operating near traffic, including law enforcement officers, emergency responders, tow truck drivers, and construction crews.
The legislation focuses on preventing crashes in work zones—areas where road work or emergency activity is taking place and where traffic patterns are often altered, increasing danger for both workers and drivers.
Rising Deaths and Injuries
More than 500 roadside workers nationwide have been killed since 2020 while working along roads and highways, according to federal data cited by lawmakers.
In Pennsylvania, state transportation data shows more than 1,250 work zone crashes occurred in 2024, resulting in 22 deaths involving both workers and drivers. Nearly half of those crashes—45 percent—involved injuries or fatalities.
“Every day in Pennsylvania and across the country, law enforcement officers, EMS crews, and roadside workers put themselves in harm’s way—often just feet from speeding traffic—to keep the rest of us safe,” McCormick said.
Cortez Masto said that while road safety has improved for drivers and pedestrians over time, workers operating along highways continue to face significant risks.
“First responders and roadside workers risk death or injury every single day while responding to an emergency or maintaining our roads,” she said.
Key Provisions in the Bill
The legislation would require states to improve how they collect and analyze data on highway worker injuries and fatalities. If those numbers rise over a two-year period, states would be required to develop a safety plan to address the trend.
The bill also calls for a national public awareness campaign aimed at educating drivers about the dangers roadside workers face and how motorists can reduce risks.
Additional provisions include continued federal research into roadway safety and a requirement that applicants for major infrastructure grants include plans to protect workers and drivers during and after construction.
Industry Support and Safety Push
The proposal has drawn support from multiple national organizations representing construction, transportation, and emergency services.
Bruce Bender, executive director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America, said roadside workers face ongoing dangers that are often overlooked.
“Towing and recovery professionals put their lives on the line every day to help motorists, protect first responders, and keep commerce flowing,” Bender said. “Slow Down, Move Over laws need to be promoted and publicized because they are proven to save lives.”
Advocates say increased awareness and stronger safety requirements could help reduce preventable crashes in work zones and along active roadways.
Next Steps
The bill will need to advance through the Senate legislative process before it can become law. If approved, it would apply nationwide, affecting state transportation agencies and infrastructure planning requirements.
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