Hollidaysburg-based state police want to remind motorists about the new “Steer Clear” law that goes into effect this Saturday.
A press release from the barracks said the new law requires motorists to move into a nonadjacent lane when approaching an emergency scene, police stop, or a tow truck picking up a disabled vehicle.
If that is not possible because of traffic or other conditions, the law states that drivers approaching or passing an emergency response area shall not drive at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and shall obey all instructions made either verbally or through the use of signs, flares, signals, lights or other traffic control devices by law enforcement personnel or emergency service responders.
The statute also empowers police to issue citations for reports from emergency service responders, including road-crew workers, of violations of the new law.
The penalties for violating this law could lead to a fine of up to $250 and, if a worker is injured as a result of violating the new law, a license suspension of 90 days.
