Here in Iowa, it’s the law that drivers move over and slow down for vehicles with flashing lights responding to roadside emergencies. Most of us are well aware of this law, but the increasing epidemic of driver distraction means many drivers don’t notice they are approaching an emergency until it is too late.
This serious danger was evident in a recent Iowa dash-cam video of a very close call. A vehicle left the road at the exact location where a state trooper was responding to a roadside emergency. Apparently, a pickup was rear ended and pushed off I-80 by a semi that failed to slow down in a timely manner. The video from the scene is shocking. You can view the video on KGAN’s website.
By following two simple rules, you can help save lives, avoid a traffic ticket and prevent the potential loss of your driver’s license. Iowa law requires drivers to:
1. Change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary emergency, tow or maintenance vehicle that has its flashing lights activated.
2. Yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or giving an audible signal by moving over to the right, stopping and waiting until the vehicle has passed before proceeding.
These laws are designed to protect all road users, those being transported in emergency vehicles and emergency responders at high risk while performing their duties on Iowa’s roadways.
A violation is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a scheduled fine of $100. However, if a violation causes damage to the property of another person, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will suspend your driver’s license for 90 days. If the violation injures another person, DOT will suspend your license for 180 days, and a court could impose an additional fine of $500. If the violation causes death, you will lose your license for a year and could face an additional fine of $1,000.
Learn more at www.iowadot.gov/rules/rulesoftheroad.htm.