COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio House of Representatives has passed legislation aimed at increasing safety for construction workers in highway work zones, including higher fines for certain traffic violations when workers are present.
House Bill 82, known as the Trenton Gallaway Work Zone Safety Act, was championed by State Reps. Gary Click (R-Vickery) and Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe).
The legislation comes in response to an increase in accidents and injuries in Ohio construction zones in recent years.
Under the proposed law, drivers could face an additional fine of up to $100 for reckless driving violations committed in a marked construction zone when one or more construction workers are present.
The bill also allows offenders to complete a driving safety course within 90 days of the violation instead of paying the additional fine. Those who fail to complete the course would face a higher fine and penalty.
Additionally, courts would be authorized to impose double fines for speeding violations in construction zones when workers are present.
“It is imperative that we look out for the men and women in hardhats on our highways,” Click said. “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.”
Johnson said the legislation is intended to help reduce accidents in highway construction areas.
“HB 82 is another good step in the right direction to help mitigate highway construction accidents from happening,” Johnson said. “Hopefully, our next Transportation Director will constantly always look for means to continue to mitigate highway construction accidents.”
Ohio work zone crashes
According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Work Zone Dashboard, 25,606 crashes occurred in Ohio work zones between 2021 and November 2026. Construction workers were present in 35% of those crashes.
The data also indicates that work zone fatalities have increased by 11% in 2026.
House Bill 82 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
The legislation is named in memory of Trenton Gallaway, a highway worker whose death was cited by Click in support of the measure.
