Fw: EMSNEWS Digest - 7 Mar 2001 to 8 Mar 2001 (#2001-46)

[Guest guest]

WY - Geringer signs safety bill for emergency vehicles

>

> http://www.trib.com/HOMENEWS/WYO/6EmergencyVehicles.html

>

> Geringer signs safety bill for emergency vehicles

>

> ROCK SPRINGS, Wyo. (AP) - Gov. Jim Geringer has signed a bill into law to

> protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel who risk being struck

> by passing motorists during roadside stops.

> Under the law that will take effect July 1, motorists will be required to

> maintain a safe distance and speed when passing emergency vehicles parked

by

> the road with their lights flashing.

>

> On highways, motorists must merge into the furthest lane away from an

> emergency vehicle. On two-lane roads, they must slow down to 20 miles

below

> the posted speed.

>

> Violators could face up to $750 in fines and six months in jail. The

typical

> fine is $60, said Sgt. Carl Mc of the Wyoming Highway Patrol.

>

> Col. , also of the highway patrol, said at least 20 patrol

officers

> have been hit over the past five years in the state by motorists.

>

> " It is very unnerving to be on the side of the road and have an 18-wheeler

> pass 16 inches away from your feet, " said Sgt. , of the highway

> patrol.

>

> The law was enacted in part because of an accident that injured patrolman

> Jim Geeting of Wamsutter about six months ago. Geeting is back on duty,

but

> is suffering from side effects from the accident, Mc said.

>

> ------------------------------

>

> End of EMSNEWS Digest - 7 Mar 2001 to 8 Mar 2001 (#2001-46)

> ***********************************************************

>