In light of an upward trend in work zone crashes, concerns over work zone safety are growing in Michigan. Those concerns have been heightened by a particularly devastating and recent incident that resulted in the deaths of two Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) roadway employees. Questions are now being raised about motorists’ ability to safely navigate work zones, as lawmakers move swiftly to keep this trend from accelerating any further.
A Response to Growing Safety Concerns
Michigan has experienced a troubling rise in work zone crashes in recent years, including several fatal incidents involving roadway workers. The issue drew increased attention after two Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) workers lost their lives while working along US-127, prompting renewed discussions about how to better prepare drivers for navigating construction zones safely (Lawmaker Proposes Work Zone Safety Course). State officials have also reported thousands of work zone crashes each year, with distracted driving and speeding continuing to be major contributing factors (“Work Zone Data”).
To address these concerns, Michigan lawmakers introduced House Bill 5767, legislation that would require every new driver to complete dedicated work zone safety training before receiving a Level 2 graduated driver’s license (“Bill Text: MI HB5767”).
What House Bill 5767 Would Require
If passed, the legislation would take effect on January 1, 2027, and amend Michigan’s Driver Education Provider and Instructor Act by adding Section 40 (Bill Text: MI HB5767).
Under the proposal, every driver education student would be required to complete a minimum 30-minute work zone safety course, either online or through in-person instruction as part of their driver’s education program. The course would be developed jointly by the Michigan Department of State and the Michigan Department of Transportation to ensure consistent statewide instruction (Summary as Introduced).
The curriculum would cover several key topics, including:
- Identifying and safely navigating highway construction and maintenance zones.
- Safety precautions that protect both motorists and roadway workers.
- Michigan’s legal requirements and penalties for work zone traffic violations.
- Safe driving strategies when traveling near construction equipment and active work crews.
The legislation also specifies that the additional training would come at no extra cost to driver education participants (Bill Text: MI HB5767).
Strong Support from the Transportation Industry
The proposal has received backing from transportation safety advocates, lawmakers, and organizations such as the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA), who believe driver education should better prepare motorists for today’s increasingly complex roadway environments (Lawmaker Proposes Work Zone Safety Course).
Supporters argue that work zones present unique hazards that many new drivers receive little formal instruction about. They believe even a brief course could improve awareness, encourage slower driving, and reinforce the importance of following temporary traffic control devices (Lawmaker Proposes Work Zone Safety Course).
Some driver education professionals also believe current training programs leave gaps. As Mr. R’s Driving School owner Brian Redoutey noted, “What we have right now is obviously, statistically, not adequate. Almost everyone who causes a crash has a license” (Lawmaker Proposes Work Zone Safety Course). His comments reflect the belief that traditional driver’s education may not devote enough attention to work zone safety.
Is Thirty Minutes Enough?
While the proposal has earned broad support, not everyone believes the additional instruction goes far enough.
Some educators and safety advocates question whether a single 30-minute lesson can meaningfully change long-term driver behavior. Others argue that work zone safety should be reinforced throughout driver’s education rather than presented as a standalone lesson.
Still, supporters contend that introducing dedicated instruction is an important first step. Even a short course can expose new drivers to hazards they may otherwise never formally learn about until they encounter an active work zone.
Where the Bill Stands
As of now, House Bill 5767 remains under review by Michigan’s House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The legislation has been introduced but has not yet been approved or rejected (Bill Text: MI HB5767). If it advances through the legislative process and is signed into law, Michigan would become one of the first states to require dedicated work zone safety education as part of standard driver training.
A Growing Focus on Prevention
Whether or not House Bill 5767 ultimately becomes law, it reflects a broader shift in how states are approaching work zone safety. Rather than relying solely on enforcement and infrastructure improvements, lawmakers are increasingly exploring education as another tool to reduce crashes.
With hundreds of work zone fatalities occurring across the country each year, even small improvements in driver awareness have the potential to save lives—for both the motorists traveling through work zones and the workers building and maintaining America’s roads (Work Zone Data).
Works Cited
“Bill Text: MI HB5767 | 2025-2026 | 103rd Legislature | Introduced.” LegiScan, 2026, https://legiscan.com/MI/text/HB5767/id/3399248.
“Lawmaker Proposes Work Zone Safety Course for New Drivers.” FOX 47 News, https://www.fox47news.com/neighborhoods/state-capitol/lawmaker-proposes-work-zone-safety-course-for-new-drivers. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.
“Summary as Introduced (5/11/2026).” Michigan Legislature, 11 May 2026, https://legislature.mi.gov/documents/2025-2026/billanalysis/House/pdf/2026-HLA-5767-KC6SP3FR.pdf.
“Work Zone Data.” Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, https://workzonesafety.org/work-zone-data/. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.
Summary
Michigan lawmakers are considering legislation that would require new drivers to complete dedicated work zone safety training before receiving a Level 2 graduated driver’s license. House Bill 5767 comes amid growing concerns over work zone crashes, including the recent deaths of two Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) workers along US-127.
If passed, the bill would take effect January 1, 2027, requiring driver education students to complete at least 30 minutes of work zone safety instruction at no additional cost. Developed jointly by the Michigan Department of State and MDOT, the course would cover navigating construction zones, protecting roadway workers and motorists, work zone laws and penalties, and safe driving around equipment and crews.
Transportation safety advocates and industry organizations support the proposal, though some question whether 30 minutes is enough to change driver behavior. Currently under review by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, the bill reflects a growing emphasis on education as a tool for preventing work zone crashes and saving lives.
