United Contractors and Trade Union Partners Sponsor Life-Saving Legislation to Enhance Highway Worker Safety

United Contractors, in collaboration with our trade union partners, have introduced Assembly Bill 2809, authored by Assemblyman Matt Haney. This critical legislation would introduce Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) on active highway construction zones. It marks a significant step towards safeguarding the lives of those who tirelessly build our state’s essential highway systems.

“AB 2809 represents the collective effort of our industry to ensure every worker returns home to their loved ones at the end of the day,” said Emily Cohen, Executive Vice President of United Contractors. “Our workforce should not have to put their lives on the line to build and maintain our state’s highway systems. Yet, too often, that is the case. Automated Speed Enforcement will help change that.”

Data from states with existing ASE laws showcases a remarkable reduction in accidents and fatalities, emphasizing its effectiveness as a life-saving mechanism. Pennsylvania began continuously enforcing its Automated Speed Enforcement in Active Work Zones program in April 2020. That year, Pennsylvania saw more than a 19 percent reduction in work zone crashes. Two years after Maryland launched its ASE program in 2010, speeding violations in designated construction zones decreased by more than 80 percent. Work zone-related crashes, fatalities, and injuries were at their lowest in over ten years.

“The evidence is clear: these systems work,” said Cohen. “We will fight to utilize every tool available that is proven to reduce crashes and save lives. I want to thank Assemblyman Haney for introducing this legislation and fighting to protect the lives of those working on our highways.”

United Contractors urges all stakeholders to rally behind Assembly Bill 2809, recognizing its potential to transform California's highways into safer spaces for our workers.  

For further information, contact Emily Cohen, UCON EVP, (925) 719-5811, ecohen@unitedcontractors.org.