Gov. Henry McMaster Signs New Law for Construction Work Zone Safety Training
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Aug. 29, 2024 – Carolinas AGC (CAGC) members and employees, alongside Sen. Ross Turner (Greenville) and SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell, gathered to welcome Gov. Henry McMaster for a ceremonial bill signing of the recently passed Operation Work Zone Awareness law. This new law, advocated for by Carolinas AGC and supported by Sen. Turner and Rep. Gary Brewer, requires the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a construction work zone safety training program. Additionally, the DMV will mandate all new drivers to undergo construction work zone safety training as part of their eight-hour driver education course. South Carolina became the third state in the nation to enact legislation that updates driver education requirements to include construction work zone training.
“The legislature mandated in 2016 that we improve our state transportation infrastructure with the passage of the motor fuel user increase. In doing so, we have more construction zones than ever coupled with being one of the fastest growing states in the country. This bill requires those who operate motor vehicles to be educated on what the laws are that govern the motoring public as they drive through these sites. It’s of the utmost importance that the men and women working in these highly dangerous projects make it home to their families each and every night. In short, let ’em work, let ’em live,” mentioned Rep. Brewer (Charleston & Dorchester Cos.).
Following the passage of the law, CAGC collaborated with the SCDMV and driving schools in the state to create a one-hour work zone training video that will be mandatory for all new drivers. The video includes information on work zone safety statistics, signage, and testimonials from industry members and partners at SCDOT and the SC Department of Public Safety.
“Working with the General Assembly to pass legislation that keeps our members safe is always a priority for Carolinas AGC, and this work zone driver training legislation is just another example of that. We hope this legislation will expose hundreds and hundreds of drivers for years to come on the importance of driving safely through a construction work zone,” said Leslie Clark, COO of Carolinas AGC.
“I want to thank everyone who has had a hand in getting this important legislation signed by Governor McMaster,” said CAGC Work Zone Task Force Subcommittee Chair Eric Yates with Balfour Beatty. “This requirement for new drivers in SC will make our work zones safer for both our hard-working construction folks and the traveling public.”
For more information, contact Leslie Clark at [email protected]
Carolinas AGC (CAGC) is a construction industry association comprised of contractors and construction-related companies operating in North Carolina and South Carolina. CAGC is a chapter of the AGC of America (AGC) and the American Highway & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). Their members include small and large general contractors, specialty contractors, material/equipment suppliers, and service providers. Visit www.cagc.org, connect with them on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Explore their 100+ networking and business opportunities throughout 2024! As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of mental health and well-being has never been more crucial. The pandemic has not only taken a toll on physical health but has also had a significant impact on the mental health of individuals worldwide.
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