| Did you know that the state of Pennsylvania has a "Steer Clear" law?
What is a Steer Clear law, you ask?
The Steer Clear law requires motorists to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. The law requires motorists to move to a lane that is not adjacent to the scene of an emergency response, police stop or a tow truck picking up an abandoned vehicle. If drivers cannot move over because of traffic or other conditions, they must reduce their speed.
The law applies any time an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing and where road crews or emergency personnel have lit flares, posted signs or tried to warn motorists. Failure to move over or slow down can result in a summary offense that carries a fine of up to $250. In addition, fines will be doubled for traffic violations occurring in these areas. If that violation leads to a worker being injured, a 90-day license suspension could result.
This has deep roots with the Lionville Fire Company. On March 9th, 1998 while members were operating at an auto accident on the shoulder of the Pennsylvania turnpike, a tractor trailer lost control and struck the incident scene. This claimed the life of one of our own, Firefighter David J. Good, and injured nine other fire & EMS personnel.
So please, slow down and move over!
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