6/20/03-Gov. Rick Perry has signed legislation into law 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.
SB193, which will go into effect Sept. 1, requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions.
On two-lane highways, drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit before passing the emergency vehicle. Violators could be fined up to $500.

6/6/03-A bill designed to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops in Texas has been sent to the governor.
The measure, which passed the House on May 24, previously passed the Senate.
Under SB193, drivers would be required to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing.
Authored by Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, D-Austin, the bill requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions.
On two-lane highways, drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit before passing the emergency vehicle. Violators could be fined up to $500.

4/16/03-SB193, a bill intended to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops, is awaiting assignment to the House calendar.
The measure would require drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with its lights flashing.
Drivers would be required to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical with regard to safety and traffic conditions.
On two-lane highways, drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit before passing the emergency vehicle.
Violations of these provisions could result in fines up to $200.
For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.

3/4/03-Texas lawmakers are looking at a bill intended to protect highway patrol and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Under SB193, drivers would be required to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed when approaching an emergency vehicle parked by the road with their lights flashing.
The measure, authored by Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, D-Austin, requires drivers to merge into the furthest lane away from an emergency vehicle, if practical, with regard to safety and traffic conditions.
On two-lane highways, drivers must slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit before passing the emergency vehicle.
Violations of these provisions could result in fines up to $200.
It passed the Senate and is in the House transportation committee. For bill status, call (512) 463-2182.