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The new law requires MassDOT to develop a statewide strategy to prevent wrong-way crashes through roadway improvements, technology, education, and annual reporting.
State troopers stand at attention during Trooper Kevin Trainor’s funeral service outside of St. James Church in Salem on May 13, 2026. Finn Gomez/The Boston Globe
Gov. Maura Healey signed a measure aimed at preventing wrong-way driving crashes about two months after State Trooper Kevin Trainor was struck head-on and killed by a wrong-way driver.
“With these critical protections now signed into law, Massachusetts is taking meaningful action to prevent future tragedies through improved infrastructure, advanced technology, education, and stronger coordination among transportation and public safety officials,” State Sen. Bruce Tarr said in a press release. “Every step we take to prevent another wrong-way driving crash has the potential to save lives and spare families from unimaginable loss.”
Signed into law July 9, the measure requires the Massachusetts Department of Transportation to develop a statewide, data-driven strategy to reduce wrong-way driving on limited-access roadways — highways with restricted entry and exit points designed to keep traffic moving efficiently.
The law also calls for roadway safety improvements, such as lane delineators, directional striping, enhanced signs and lighting, wrong-way detection technology, and driver alert systems.
The measure was originally filed by Tarr as an amendment to the fiscal 2027 state budget. The Senate approved it unanimously in late May, and lawmakers included it in the final $63.4 billion state budget enacted July 1 before Healey signed it into law.
The measure further calls for a multi-year implementation plan that directs resources toward high-risk locations identified by data on wrong-way driving incidents. State transportation authorities are also directed to perform a feasibility study focused on enhancing road safety for motorists over 70.
Other provisions include education and public outreach, including integrating wrong-way driving prevention into standard driver training courses and establishing annual, statewide awareness campaigns to highlight the hazards and preventative measures associated with wrong-way driving.
Additionally, the law requires that annual reports be submitted to the Legislature detailing implementation costs, advancements, and success in curbing wrong-way driving events.
“Every life lost to a wrong-way driver is a heartbreaking tragedy that reminds us why we must do everything we can to make our roads safer,” Healey said in a statement. “This law builds on the nation-leading work that MassDOT and the Massachusetts State Police are doing to deploy new technology, improve roadway design, and prioritize safety improvements at the highest-risk locations across Massachusetts.”
The law comes after Trainor, 30, was killed May 6 while responding to reports of a wrong-way driver on Route 1 in Lynnfield. Although his shift had ended at 2 a.m., he joined other troopers responding to the emergency shortly after 2 a.m.
The wrong-way driver, 50-year-old Hernan Marrero of Roslindale, collided head-on with Trainor’s cruiser. Both men died in the crash.
“The deaths of Christopher Dailey, Sergeant Jeremy Cole, Trooper Kevin Trainor, and every life lost to wrong-way driving represent heartbreaking tragedies for their families, friends, and communities,” Tarr said. “The best way we can honor their memory — and protect everyone who travels on our roadways — is by doing everything possible to prevent these crashes before they happen.”
Transportation Amendment 827 by samantha.genzer
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