Personal Injury Law

New Washington State Law Will Keep First Responders Safe on Highways

By Kirk Bernard, Esq.

Troopers and tow truck drivers in Washington State are supporting a bill that creates "emergency zones" which they believe will protect them and other first responders who help stranded motorists on the state's highways. According to a news report in King 5 News, 23 Washington State Patrol vehicles were hit in 2009 on the side of the state's highways. Under the proposed law, drivers who are caught speeding within 200 feet of a vehicle that has flashing lights ? police cars, tow trucks or ambulances ? would receive citations for double the standard speeding amount.

The new law, if passed, would also require drivers to move out of the far right lane as long as it is safe. Also, drivers who operate their vehicles recklessly in those zones could face a $5,000 fine and lose their license for two months. It is not known yet when this law would go into effect. However, Washington State Patrol officials would be responsible for educating and informing drivers about the law before they start writing out these citations.

As a Seattle auto accident lawyer, I'm absolutely in support of this law. This law is necessary to keep these first responders, who are the first to get to the scene of an accident on the highway, safe and secure so they can do their jobs. Anyone who has had their vehicle break down on the highway knows that it can be a very scary place. A lot of times, motorists are negligent, driving recklessly or simply not paying attention to their surroundings.

Full post as published by Seattle Injury Blog on February 12, 2010 (boomark / email).