U.S. Senators Dave McCormick and Catherine Cortez Masto introduced the bipartisan Safe Roads for Those Who Serve Act on Apr. 2, aiming to improve protections for first responders and roadside workers across the country.
The legislation comes in response to a significant number of injuries and fatalities among those working on or near roadways, including law enforcement officers, emergency medical services personnel, fire and rescue services, tow truck drivers, construction workers, and others. Since 2020, more than 500 roadside workers have been killed nationwide while performing their duties. In Pennsylvania alone during 2024, over 1,250 work zone crashes occurred resulting in 22 deaths among both workers and drivers; additionally, nearly half of these incidents involved fatalities or injuries.
“Every day in Pennsylvania and across the country, law enforcement officers, EMS crews, and roadside workers put themselves in harm’s way—often just feet from speeding traffic—to keep the rest of us safe,” said Senator McCormick. “This bipartisan effort will improve data collection, strengthen public awareness, and prioritize safety in infrastructure projects from the start—helping protect those who protect us.” Senator Cortez Masto said: “Over the past fifty years, America has worked to make roads safer for drivers and pedestrians, but we still have work to do to protect those whose jobs regularly put them on the side of the road. First responders and roadside workers risk death or injury every single day while responding to an emergency or maintaining our roads. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan effort to help keep them safe.”
The bill would require states to enhance data collection about highway worker injuries and fatalities; mandate a public awareness campaign highlighting dangers faced by all roadside workers; continue research efforts focused on improving highway worker safety; and obligate major infrastructure grant applicants to include measures protecting both roadway employees and motorists during construction phases.
Supporters include several national organizations such as the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), which highlighted ongoing risks faced by towing professionals. “Towing and recovery professionals put their lives on the line every day to help motorists… Despite the fact that… we lose a tower every seven days… Slow Down, Move Over laws need to be promoted… We are deeply grateful that Senators McCormick and Cortez-Masto have introduced [this act]… TRAA proudly supports this legislation,” said Bruce Bender of TRAA.
McCormick’s background includes service as a captain in the 82nd Airborne Division with deployment during the First Gulf War according to his official website. He grew up in Bloomsburg as the son of educators according to his official website, earned advanced degrees from Princeton University after graduating from West Point according to his official website, held executive roles at FreeMarkets as well as Bridgewater Associates according to his official website, served under secretary roles at Treasury Department according to his official website, focuses on issues like energy innovation and national defense according to his official website.
As discussions around roadway safety continue nationally amid persistent hazards for frontline responders—and with support spanning multiple sectors—the future implementation of measures proposed by this act may shape safer conditions for both workers serving along highways and motorists.
