7/5/06-Gov. Matt Blunt signed a bill into law June 29 that is intended to make Missouri’s roadways safer.
The new law, previously SB872, stiffens penalties for drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles that are parked by the road with their lights flashing and for failure to pull over and make way for oncoming emergency vehicles.
On two-lane highways, drivers are required to reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles.
Violators will face up to a year in jail and/or as much as a $1,000 fine.
The new law also increases a number of penalties for people who drive recklessly through work zones.
Anyone found speeding or passing illegally in a work zone when workers are present will face a $1,000 fine, with eight points added to their driver’s license.
Existing Missouri law fines violators $250 for speeding in work zones.
Failing to stop when directed by a worker or intentionally striking construction barrels also could result in the hefty penalties.

5/12/06-The General Assembly has approved a bill intended to make the state’s roadways safer. The bill’s next stop is Gov. Matt Blunt’s desk.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, SB872 initially dealt solely with increasing the existing penalty for drivers who fail to move over for emergency vehicles.
Among the provisions added to the bill are protections for workers in construction zones.
The bill would stiffen penalties for drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles that are parked by the road with their lights flashing and for failure to pull over and make way for oncoming emergency vehicles.
On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles.
Violators would face up to a year in jail and/or as much as a $1,000 fine.
The bill also would increase a number of penalties for people who drive recklessly through work zones.
Under the bill, anyone found speeding or passing illegally in a work zone when workers are present would face a $1,000 fine, with eight points added to their driver’s license.
Existing Missouri law fines violators $250 for speeding in work zones.
Failing to stop when directed by a worker or intentionally striking construction barrels also could result in the hefty penalties.
One other provision in the bill is intended to increase safety at intersections in the state. It would stiffen the penalty for failure to yield the right of way if someone is injured or killed as a result.
State law now calls for offenders to complete 25 hours of community service and pay a $25 fine and court costs.
The bill would increase the penalty by allowing a 30-day license suspension and additional fines up to $200.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4666. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

4/19/06-The House Transportation Committee approved a bill intended to make the state’s roadways safer. The bill now heads to the House floor for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, SB872 would increase the existing penalty for drivers who fail to move over for emergency vehicles.
The bill also would stiffen penalties for drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles that are parked by the road with their lights flashing and for failure to pull over and make way for oncoming emergency vehicles.
On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing the emergency vehicle.
Violators would face up to a year in jail and/or as much as a $1,000 fine.
The bill also would increase a number of penalties for people who drive recklessly through work zones.
Under the bill, anyone found speeding or passing illegally in a work zone when workers are present would face a $1,000 fine with eight points added to their driver’s license.
Existing Missouri law fines violators $250 for speeding in work zones.
Failing to stop when directed by a worker or intentionally striking construction barrels also could result in the hefty penalties.
One other provision in the bill is intended to increase safety at intersections in the state. It would stiffen the penalty for failure to yield the right of way if someone is injured or killed as a result.
State law now calls for offenders to complete 25 hours of community service and pay a $25 fine and court costs.
The bill would increase the penalty by allowing a 30-day license suspension and additional fines up to $200.
If approved by the House, it would head back to the Senate for approval of changes before moving to Gov. Matt Blunt’s desk.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4666. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

3/8/06-The Senate unanimously approved a bill March 2 intended to make the state’s roadways safer. The bill now heads to the House for further consideration.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, the highway safety bill initially dealt solely with increasing the existing penalty for drivers who fail to move over for emergency vehicles.
Provisions added to the bill would include protections for workers in construction zones.
SB872 stiffens penalties for drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles that are parked by the road with their lights flashing and for failure to pull over and make way for oncoming emergency vehicles.
On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing emergency vehicles.
Violators would face up to a year in jail and/or as much as a $1,000 fine.
The bill also would increase a number of penalties for people who drive recklessly through work zones.
Under the bill, anyone found speeding or passing illegally in a work zone when workers are present would face a $1,000 fine with eight points added to their driver’s license.
Existing Missouri law fines violators $250 for speeding in work zones.
Failing to stop when directed by a worker or intentionally striking construction barrels also could result in the hefty penalties.
One other provision in the bill is intended to increase safety at intersections in the state. It would stiffen the penalty for failure to yield the right of way if someone is injured or killed as a result.
State law now calls for offenders to complete 25 hours of community service and pay a $25 fine and court costs.
The bill would increase the penalty by allowing a 30-day license suspension and additional fines up to $200.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4666. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.

2/21/06-The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill intended to make the state’s roadways safer.
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Gibbons, R-Kirkwood, SB872 stiffens penalties for drivers who fail to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing an emergency vehicle parked by the road with its lights flashing and for failure to pull over and make way for an oncoming emergency vehicle.
On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to reduce speed before passing the emergency vehicle.
Violators would face up to a year in jail and/or as much as a $1,000 fine.
The bill also would increase a number of penalties for people who drive recklessly through work zones.
Under the bill, anyone found speeding or passing illegally in a work zone when workers are present would face a $1,000 fine with eight points added to their driver’s license.
Existing Missouri law fines violators $250 for speeding in work zones.
One other provision in the bill is intended to increase safety at intersections in the state. It would stiffen the penalty for failure to yield the right-of-way if someone is injured or killed as a result.
State law now calls for offenders to complete 25 hours of community service and pay a $25 fine and court costs.
The bill would increase the penalty by allowing a 30-day license suspension and additional fines up to $200.
The bill now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.
For Senate bill status, call (573) 751-4666. In Missouri, call 1-800-877-5982.