Madison Reporter

Mar 22 2024

Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) expressed their satisfaction after the Governor signed Senate Bill 460 into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 159.

Senator Cowles highlighted the importance of the signed bill in addressing reckless driving in Wisconsin, stating, “Reckless driving is a serious problem across Wisconsin, and one the Legislature has been working hard to address.” He also shared a personal connection to the issue, saying, “Getting this bill across the finish line is especially personal to me, as my grandfather Enard Lindstrom worked on the Chicago Northwestern Railroad out of Northeast Wisconsin for many, many years. In his memory, Act 159 offers enhanced protections for Wisconsin’s nearly 3,000 rail workers as they operate in designated work zones, helping to keep a vital part of our economy chugging along safely.”

Representative Spiros echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need to support the workers who maintain Wisconsin's extensive rail infrastructure. He stated, “Supporting the workers who maintain Wisconsin's 3,300 miles of rail lines is common sense, especially as distracted and reckless driving rates continue to rise.” Spiros also expressed his satisfaction in collaborating with Senator Cowles to ensure that railroad work zones receive similar protections to other roadside construction and maintenance areas.

The newly signed Act 159 aims to enhance safety for rail workers by doubling fines for traffic violations committed in the vicinity of railroad construction or maintenance zones. This aligns with existing protections for highway work zones and extends fine increases to areas where emergency services, roadside assistance, and utility work crews are operating.