On average 5 firefighters a year, 1 Law Enforcement Officer a month and 1 tow truck operator a week are struck and killed while operating along the roadway. The Hope Hose Company would like to remind everyone of the “Steer Clear” Law which went in to effect in 2006.
The “Steer Clear” law, which went into effect in 2006, requires motorists to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. The law requires motorists to move to a lane that is not adjacent to the scene of an emergency response, police stop or a tow truck picking up an abandoned vehicle. If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed.
The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and where road crews or emergency personnel have lighted flares, posted signs or tried to warn motorists. Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250. In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. If that violation leads to a worker being injured, a 90-day license suspension could result.
In cases where law enforcement may not be present, the law allows road workers and emergency responders to report violations by motorists. Law enforcement can issue citations based on these reports.
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