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Senate committee approves bill to add highway work‑zone safety to driver test and manual
Summary
A Senate committee passed SB 78 to require the state to add highway work‑zone safety content to the written driver's test and to the State Police driver's manual, with sponsors saying the change aims to reduce crashes and protect route crews.
State Senator Mark Johnson, District 17, told the Senate Transportation, Technology & Legislative Affairs Committee that SB 78 would require new material on highway work‑zone safety be added to the written driver's test and to the manual published by the State Police.
"Senate bill 78 is a simple bill," Mark Johnson said, describing the bill as adding "information about highway work zone safety" and a short Q&A on how to operate safely in work zones. He said the change is intended to teach drivers that work zones are not typical driving conditions and require heightened awareness and reduced speed.
Johnson told the committee that both the current and recently retired directors of RDOT reviewed and support the bill and that representatives of the Associate General Contractors and the Asphalt Paving Association brought the measure to him because their employees are among those most exposed in work zones. He cited heavy construction areas near Benton and along Center Hill through Jacksonville as examples of places where extra care is needed.
Committee members asked whether the State Police control the licensing and exam process; Johnson replied that the agency administers licensing and the manual, and the bill would direct the content they publish.
No members of the public had signed up to testify for or against SB 78. The committee made a motion to pass the bill, which was seconded and adopted by voice vote. The committee chair said, "Congratulations, Senator. Your bill passed." The committee record does not list roll‑call vote totals.
The measure now moves from the committee; the transcript does not specify the bill's next calendar step.
