Post by Bill on Sept 25, 2006 16:04:25 GMT -5
'Steer Clear' law aims to prevent accidents
Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writer
September 25, 2006
A law that took effect Sept. 8 requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when they come upon emergency workers, police, or tow trucks on the road.
That might seem like common sense, but there are those who put themselves in harm's way who say that it can be dicey out there, especially on the interstates.
"It's definitely scary out there," said Dave Smalley, chief of the Stroud Township Volunteer Fire Department, which covers Interstate 80 between West Main Street and Bartonsville. "There have been a number of close calls with our guys. My policy now is - no matter what the emergency is - the road is closed." He said that he does it to keep his people safe.
"People complain about having to sit in traffic when there's an accident or other emergency. That's the reason."
Three Pennsylvania State Troopers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by drivers passing by traffic stops or accident scenes. And amazingly, between January 2005 and March 2006, 38 police cruisers were hit by passing cars - despite their flashing emergency lights.
Some three dozen states have adopted similar "steer clear" laws in recent years. Pennsylvania's law is applicable whenever there are indications of an emergency scene, such as signs, flares and flashing lights, and the presence of emergency personnel or police.
The law states that if drivers can't move to another lane farther from the scene, they must not drive at "a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions."
Violation of the law carries a fine of up to $250. If the violation includes injury to a worker, the offender will lose his or her license for 90 days. Fines for traffic violations in these areas are doubled.
Interestingly, the law also contains a provision that allows police to issue citations based on reports from emergency service responders, including tow truck drivers, ambulance workers, firefighters and road construction crews.
Chief of the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company Bernie Harrison said the law is a good thing. "It's for the safety of our personnel as well as for the drivers. Everyone's preoccupied with their CD player, cell phone, their friends. People aren't paying attention to their driving. It will require an effort to educate people but I think it will definitely be beneficial."
Harrison's department covers part of Interstate 380 and routes 611 and 196. "You have to be on your guard all the time," he said.
Smalley and Harrison think the law will be tough to enforce, but that with education and word of mouth, it could be a huge help.
"No matter what the situation is on the road, we are at the mercy of a distracted or inattentive driver," said Harrison.
Emergencies and accidents on the roads are bad enough for the people involved, said Smalley. The hope is that the new law will help protect the people who are trying to help them.
The law offers no guarantees but it's a step in the right direction, they say.
On the Net:
www.dot.state.pa.us.
Catherine Rodriguez
Pocono Record Writer
September 25, 2006
A law that took effect Sept. 8 requires motorists to change lanes or slow down when they come upon emergency workers, police, or tow trucks on the road.
That might seem like common sense, but there are those who put themselves in harm's way who say that it can be dicey out there, especially on the interstates.
"It's definitely scary out there," said Dave Smalley, chief of the Stroud Township Volunteer Fire Department, which covers Interstate 80 between West Main Street and Bartonsville. "There have been a number of close calls with our guys. My policy now is - no matter what the emergency is - the road is closed." He said that he does it to keep his people safe.
"People complain about having to sit in traffic when there's an accident or other emergency. That's the reason."
Three Pennsylvania State Troopers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by drivers passing by traffic stops or accident scenes. And amazingly, between January 2005 and March 2006, 38 police cruisers were hit by passing cars - despite their flashing emergency lights.
Some three dozen states have adopted similar "steer clear" laws in recent years. Pennsylvania's law is applicable whenever there are indications of an emergency scene, such as signs, flares and flashing lights, and the presence of emergency personnel or police.
The law states that if drivers can't move to another lane farther from the scene, they must not drive at "a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions."
Violation of the law carries a fine of up to $250. If the violation includes injury to a worker, the offender will lose his or her license for 90 days. Fines for traffic violations in these areas are doubled.
Interestingly, the law also contains a provision that allows police to issue citations based on reports from emergency service responders, including tow truck drivers, ambulance workers, firefighters and road construction crews.
Chief of the Coolbaugh Township Volunteer Fire Company Bernie Harrison said the law is a good thing. "It's for the safety of our personnel as well as for the drivers. Everyone's preoccupied with their CD player, cell phone, their friends. People aren't paying attention to their driving. It will require an effort to educate people but I think it will definitely be beneficial."
Harrison's department covers part of Interstate 380 and routes 611 and 196. "You have to be on your guard all the time," he said.
Smalley and Harrison think the law will be tough to enforce, but that with education and word of mouth, it could be a huge help.
"No matter what the situation is on the road, we are at the mercy of a distracted or inattentive driver," said Harrison.
Emergencies and accidents on the roads are bad enough for the people involved, said Smalley. The hope is that the new law will help protect the people who are trying to help them.
The law offers no guarantees but it's a step in the right direction, they say.
On the Net:
www.dot.state.pa.us.
