Ohio House Passes Bill to Increase Safety in Construction Zones

COLUMBUS—State Representatives Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) are pleased to announce that the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 82, the Trenton Gallaway Work Zone Safety Act.

House Bill 82, championed by Click and Johnson, works to ensure safety within construction zones for workers, a direct response to an increase in accidents and injuries in recent years within these zones. Key provisions of the bill include:

• Increases the fine by up to $100 for reckless driving violations that occur in a marked construction zone when one or more construction workers are present.
• Allows offenders to complete a driving safety course within 90 days of the underlying reckless driving violation in lieu of paying the additional fine and imposes a higher fine and penalty if the offender fails to do so.
• Authorizes courts to impose double fines for speeding violations when one or more construction workers are present in the construction zone.
   

“It is imperative that we look out for the men and women in hardhats on our highways,” said Click. “Trenton Gallaway is one of many highway workers whose life has ended tragically due to careless driving in our work zones. This is the next step in protecting these good men and women who contribute so much to our state.”

“HB 82 is another good step in the right direction to help mitigate highway construction accidents from happening,” said Johnson. “Hopefully, our next Transportation Director will constantly always look for means to continue to mitigate highway construction accidents.”

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Work Zone Dashboard, 25,606 crashes occurred in Ohio work zones between 2021 and November 2026, with workers present in 35% of those crashes. Additionally, work zone fatalities have increased by 11% in 2026.

House Bill 82 now awaits further consideration from the Ohio Senate.