DETROIT (FOX 2) – It’s been one day since a construction worker was struck and killed by a driver in a construction zone in Detroit. Meanwhile, state lawmakers are approving the installation of traffic cameras to track speeders.

It’s a new initiative to protect construction workers and improve traffic safety and could soon bring a watchful eye to our state’s high-tech construction zones. But as FOX 2 examines these traffic cameras, it’s important to note that this isn’t a done deal as of Nov. 8.

These traffic cameras are just one example of what drivers may see in Michigan construction zones.

Some drivers are already on board.

“I think they need it, it’s going to stop people,” said driver Tiffany Bostic. “Not just them, everyone actually could be teenagers on the road for the first time.”

Other drivers want to keep their workers safe, but feel uncomfortable being monitored.

“Saving the lives of construction workers, yes,” said driver Nyx. “But I think people should be responsible for themselves and not be big fans of surveillance. Not fans of cameras.”

The measures passed the state Senate and would implement “automated speed enforcement systems” in construction zones, and ticket speeders in some cases.

Opinions found by FOX 2 Friday were mixed, but the Michigan Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) view is that construction worker safety is paramount, regardless of how the state achieves it.

“Anything that would contribute to compliance with the rules helps keep both hands on the wheel, both eyes on the road, helps drivers not to be distracted and not accelerate when crossing a work zone , we are 100 percent there,” said MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross. by telephone.

One of the legislation’s sponsors, Democratic state Rep. Will Snyder, said Michigan is learning from other states.

“Statistics show that in the state of Maryland, the implementation of automated enforcement in work zones resulted in an 80% reduction in speeding and the number of fatalities was cut in half over the first three years of implementation,” Snyder said.

Speeders caught on cameras going 10 miles over the limit or more will first receive a written warning, then the next time, a $150 fine, the third offense in 3 years, violators will pay $300.