Governor Engler Signs “Andy’s Law” to Protect Highway Workers

Under a law signed yesterday by Governor John Engler, Michigan became the first state in the nation to pass a specific measure creating stiffer penalties for motorists who injure or kill highway construction workers. Senate Bill 373, introduced by State Senator Bill Bullard (R-Highland), creates penalties of up to one year in prison for injury and up to 15 years in prison for killing a highway construction or maintenance worker. This bill is referred to as “Andy’s Law” by highway safety advocates in recognition of Andrew Lefko, a 19-year-old highway worker who was severely injured during work on the I-275 reconstruction project in 1999.