4/22/08-A bill has died that sought to require drivers to make room for emergency workers and law enforcement officers.
LB786 would have mandated drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency crews, law enforcement, roadside assistance vehicles or tow trucks parked by the road with lights flashing. On two-lane highways, drivers would have been required to slow to “maintain a safe speed and proceed with caution.”
The “Move Over/Slow Down” initiative was designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Failure to obey the rule would have resulted in fines up to $100. Repeat offenders would have faced fines up to $500 and seven days in jail.
Exceptions would have been made when traffic, road or weather conditions prevent drivers from moving over.

3/19/08-The Transportation and Telecommunications Committee voted 5-2 to advance a bill that would require drivers to make room for emergency workers and law enforcement officers.
LB786 would mandate drivers to maintain a safe distance and reduce speed before passing emergency crews, law enforcement, roadside assistance vehicles or tow trucks parked by the road with lights flashing. On two-lane highways, drivers would be required to slow to “maintain a safe speed and proceed with caution.”
The “Move Over/Slow Down” initiative is designed to protect police and other emergency personnel during roadside stops.
Failure to obey the rule would result in fines up to $100. Repeat offenders would face fines up to $500 and seven days in jail.
Exceptions would be made when traffic, road or weather conditions prevent drivers from moving over.
An amendment added to the bill would drop the requirement that the law couldn’t be enforced until signs notifying drivers have been posted. Advocates for the change questioned the cost of such signs.
The bill is awaiting consideration before the full chamber.
For bill status, call (402) 471-2709. In Nebraska, call 1-800-742-7456.