Sponsor Statement for Senate Bill 304

Senate Bill 304 would double the fines for moving traffic violations in construction zones in an effort to protect highway construction workers. If passed, Alaska would join 26 other states which have increased sanctions for motorists who recklessly endanger the safety of roadway workers.

Work zone accidents and deaths have increased due to motorists speeding in highway construction zones. In 1994, work zone fatalities in the United States climbed to an all-time high when 833 people were killed. Senate Bill 304 imposes stiffer fines on motorists who disregard speeding laws in construction.

Senate Bill 304 amends AS 28.15.221 relating to the driver’s "point" system and its application. The "point" system is used to identify habitually reckless or negligent drivers and habitual or frequent violators of traffic laws. Under this system drivers are assessed "points" when convicted of a traffic violation. SB 304 adds the following exemption to the list of violations in which points are not assessed on a driver’s record. Drivers who exceed the 55 mile per hour speed limit would not be assessed "points" if;

a) the violation occurred on a divided highway; and

b) the vehicle was not exceeding 65 miles per hour; and

c) the driver was not driving recklessly or negligently.

Senate Bill 304 would also exempt the assessment of points for those traffic citations not issued by a state or city police officer. In both cases tickets could still be issued and fines assessed.

Additionally Senate Bill 304 adds a provision stating that drivers operating a motor vehicle on a divided highway may not drive in the far left lane unless;

a) the person is overtaking another vehicle; or

b) the person is making a left turn from the divided highway; or

c) dense traffic conditions require driving in the left lane.

Encouraging drivers to stay to the right will improve traffic flow and increase the efficiency of divided highways.

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