Police seek drivers who don't stop for emergency vehicles

Thursday, March 6, 2008

Drivers that fail to "move over or slow down" for emergency vehicles with their lights flashing may find themselves with a class A infraction, according to an announcement from Lieutenant George Schneider, commander of the Putnamville State Police Post.

State police are aggressively targeting violators this month using saturation patrols, in addtion to Wolf Pack Patrols (unmarked patrol vehicles that target traffic violators) and the use of Commercial Motor Vehicle Officers.

Indiana law states that a motorist approaching a vehicle on the side of the road with the emergency lights in operation is required to change lanes, or if that is not possible, slow down.

An emergency vehicle is a police or fire vehicle with flashing red and blue lights or a wrecker or highway maintenance vehicle with flashing amber lights.

If violation of this law results in property damage, injury or death, the court shall recommend a drivers license suspension from 90 days to two years.

"This law is intended to protect the officer making the traffic stop as well as the motorist," stated Sergeant Chip Sunier. "Motorists need to give officers and highway workers room to work safely."

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  • It's about time they enforce this! My father drove a fire truck for 16 years out of the 20 years he served as a Lafayette Fire Fighter. His biggest fear was, "an idiot" not getting out of the way and being killed by the fire truck that just "mowed over the dumba**". Not to mention causing any injury to a member of his Brotherhood. Firemen, policemen, and all other emergency responder's have an obligation to quickly respond to emergencies. They have the right of way. We the general public, have a duty to allow them that.

    I think along with this enforcement, pulling over out of respect for a funeral persession should also be enforced. Although, sadly respect has become an unknown in this country.

    -- Posted by WONDER on Fri, Mar 7, 2008, at 4:08 PM
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