NEW ALABAMA LAW ADDS PROTECTION FOR RESPONDERS

The Alabama Legislature enacted a new law July 1, 2006 designed to protect the lives of emergency personnel on Alabama highways of four or more lanes. Now Alabama state troopers and other emergency responders whose routine roadside stops make their vehicles roadside especially vulnerable. The law HB142 states in part; “…a motorist approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing emergency lights shall yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions, if on a highway having at least four lanes with not less than two lanes proceeding in the same direction as the approaching vehicle.”The law also cautions drivers, “If changing lanes would be impossible or unsafe, the motorist shall reduce the speed of the vehicle.”  It is hoped that this will provide better protection for emegency responders on Alabama roads and highways.