8/7/03 - Gov.
Paul Patton signed into law a bill designed to protect
highway patrol and other
emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Under the new law, drivers are required to maintain a safe distance
and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road
with
their lights flashing.
HB15 requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency
vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions.
It also requires drivers to yield the right-of-way and move toward the edge
or curb
and stop upon the approach of an emergency vehicle using audible or visual
signals.