Girgenti for Senate

Girgenti Bill To Increase Road Safety Near Emergency And Maintenance Vehicles Becomes Law

January 28, 2009

TRENTON – A measure sponsored Senate Assistant Majority Leader John A. Girgenti, which would require drivers to switch lanes and/or decrease speed while passing emergency and maintenance vehicles, was signed into law by Governor Corzine on Tuesday, January 27, 2009.

“Common sense dictates that drivers should slow down or switch lanes when approaching an emergency vehicle or maintenance truck that is stopped on the side of the road,” said Senator Girgenti, D-Passaic and Bergen. “Unfortunately, since common sense is not always common on the road, we must take preventive measures to better protect those who work on and around our roads.”

The bill, S-180, will create a new traffic offense for improperly passing an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or highway maintenance vehicle that is stationary and displaying its flashing emergency lights. Absent from advanced directions by law enforcement at the scene, a motorist approaching a stationary vehicle that is displaying flashing lights would be required to merge into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency vehicle, or reduce speed to a rate lower than the posted speed limit, and be prepared to stop. Any person found guilty of violating this safety measure would be penalized by a fine no less than $100 and no more than $500.

“In 2006, eighteen individuals lost their lives in New Jersey roadway work zones. That is sad and quite disturbing,” said Senator Girgenti. “Drivers always need to put safety first when on the road, and need to be extremely careful when they see flashing lights on the side of the road. Slowing down, despite adding time to a trip, could save someone’s life.”