Brief (1)
HB 2641 relates to passing stopped authorized emergency vehicles.
The bill would add certain requirements for drivers of motor vehicles approaching stationary authorized emergency vehicles making use of designated visual signals.
A driver approaching such a stationary vehicle on a highway of at least two lanes of traffic in the same direction would be required to, whenever possible, get into a lane NOT adjacent to the stationary emergency vehicle before proceeding with caution.
A driver approaching such a stationary vehicle on such a highway when it is not possible to or unsafe to change lanes, or on all other roads, would be required to reduce speed before proceeding with caution.
From July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001, violators would be issued a warning citation. Thereafter, the fine would be $60.
HB 2641 also would prohibit passing within 100 feet of a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using its emergency lights on two-lane highways that consist of carrying traffic in opposite directions. Violators would be given warning citations from July 1, 2000 to June 30, 2001. After this period, the fine for the violation would be $60.
Background
Representative Douglas Johnston, who requested introduction of the bill, testified that the purpose of the legislation is to save lives of law enforcement and other emergency personnel who work along the side of highways. He noted that in 1998, almost 2,000 people were killed along U.S. highways by oncoming traffic. Others who testified in support of the bill included the Vice President of the State Troopers Association, a state trooper who was involved in several incidents, the Lieutenant Colonel of the Kansas Highway Patrol, and the surviving spouse of a trooper who was killed by a sleepy driver who failed to move to the furthest lane.
There were no opponents.
The House Committee's amendments were technical.
The House Committee of the Whole amendment would allow law enforcement officers to issue warning citations for one year for violations of the law.
Various members of the Kansas Highway Patrol appeared before the Senate Committee in support of the bill. The bill was also supported by the spokesperson of the Kansas Motor Carriers Association. There were no opponents.
The Senate Committee amendments were suggested by the Kansas Highway Patrol.
An updated fiscal note is pending.
1. *Supplemental notes are prepared by the Legislative Research Department and do not express legislative intent. The supplemental note and fiscal note for this bill may be accessed on the Internet at http://www.ink.org/public/legislative/bill_search.html