By Martha Stoddard
Omaha World-Herald
LINCOLN, Neb. — Emergency workers would get an extra measure of safety on Nebraska highways — a full lane width, in fact — under a bill passed Thursday in the Nebraska Legislature.
Legislative Bill 92, introduced by State Sen. Gwen Howard of Omaha, cleared final reading on a vote of 47-0.
If signed into law by Gov. Dave Heineman, the bill would require drivers to move to the far lane when passing law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, motorist-assistance vehicles, tow trucks or other emergency vehicles.
The requirement would apply to people driving on the Interstate or expressways that have at least two lanes of traffic in each direction.
Drivers would not have to shift lanes when prevented from doing so by weather or road conditions, other vehicles or pedestrians. In such cases, however, they would have to slow down.
LB 92 would add Nebraska to the list of 44 other states with such “move over” laws. It would take effect in early September.
Drivers who fail to move over could be fined up to $100 for a first offense. A second or subsequent offense would carry a penalty of up to seven days in jail and a $500 fine.
The bill was prompted by cases such as that of two Omaha firefighters who were injured this winter on Interstate 80 when a car slid into them on the ice at an accident scene. Other states have seen fatalities among emergency workers.
Copyright 2009 The Omaha World-Herald Company