The death of a construction worker in a Route 9 work zone is prompting New Jersey lawmakers to seek tougher penalties for drunk driving fatalities in highway construction areas. On Thursday, the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee approved S-4758, a bipartisan bill that would increase the criminal penalty for intoxicated drivers who cause a death in a work zone.
The legislation follows the July death of Allen Adams, a road-crew member who was fatally struck by an impaired driver while working in Toms River. The driver was later arrested and charged with DWI and reckless driving.
Under current law, reckless vehicular homicide is generally a second-degree crime but can rise to first degree in school-zone situations. The proposed bill would add highway work zones and designated “safe corridors” to that category. A first-degree crime carries a potential 10- to 20-year prison sentence and fines of up to $200,000.
Sponsors Senator Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen) and Senator Latham Tiver (R-Atlantic/Burlington) said the change reflects the heightened risks faced by road workers on high-traffic roadways.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
“The penalty for causing a death due to drunk driving should be uniform no matter where it happens.”
And the penalty should be…’lock him up for good, and get rid of the key’