Traffic safety: work zones: positive protection measures.
If enacted, AB 759 will require the Department of Transportation to specify appropriate uses for safety devices such as automated flagger assistance devices, buffer lanes, impact attenuator vehicles, and temporary barriers by July 1, 2021. Additionally, the Department shall compensate contractors for optional safety devices as per the updated guidance. Furthermore, a report evaluating the use of these measures is due by January 1, 2024, to assess the effectiveness of the implemented protections.
Assembly Bill No. 759, sponsored by Assemblymember Bigelow, aims to enhance traffic safety in work zones by mandating the Department of Transportation to update its guidance on positive protection measures. Specifically, the bill emphasizes the need to isolate workers and work zones from traffic with various devices, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities for both construction workers and drivers. The bill is grounded in legislative findings that prioritize the safety of those engaged in maintaining California’s transportation infrastructure.
The sentiment surrounding AB 759 appears to be positive, with strong support from legislators prioritizing worker safety in construction and maintenance settings. Advocates argue that by implementing systematic changes and enhancing guidance related to positive protection measures, this bill will lead to a significant reduction in preventable injuries and fatalities within work zones. The bill enjoys bipartisan support as it aligns with the common goal of ensuring public safety and protecting workers.
While the bill promotes essential safety improvements, there may be concerns about the extent of its financial implications for the state budget regarding the compensations for safety devices requested by contractors. Critics might also question the sufficiency of the guidance updates in genuinely improving safety conditions or may advocate for more stringent measures to ensure compliance and enforcement across various jurisdictions. Additionally, the temporary nature of the provisions, set to expire on January 1, 2025 unless renewed, could be a point of contention, suggesting a need for ongoing commitment to worker safety.