Article Contributed on: 7/18/2007 1:12:18 PM
Help Keep Emergency and Road Workers Safe
Police officers, firefighters, other emergency personnel and road construction workers are asking motorists to slow down and give them a "safety lane," so they can safely do their job along busy roadways.
After several close calls, the Golden Police Department has started aggressively enforcing a little known traffic law enacted in 2005. The law requires motorists approaching any emergency vehicle, which is stopped on the side of the road with their red and blue lights flashing, to move at least one lane away before passing.
If an adjacent lane is not available, then motorists are required to slow to a safe speed and provide adequate distance before passing. This law creates a safety zone or "safety lane" for police officers on traffic stops and other emergency
personnel working along a roadway. Nothing rattles the nerves of emergency workers more than having to stand or kneel next on the shoulder of a major highway with traffic whizzing past at 55 MPH.
Motorists charged with failing to move or slow down, could lose four points from their driver's license and can face a fine up to $999. Even when providing a "safety lane," please use caution when passing any emergency equipment and be prepared to react to any potential hazard or personnel in your path.
In addition, the City of Golden supports the Colorado Department of Transportation and Colorado State Patrol "Slow for the Cone Zone" campaign, which targets unsafe driving practices in road work zones during the busy summer construction season.
In 2004 alone, 1,906 crashes occurred in Colorado work zones, resulting
in 768 injuries and 14 deaths (the majority of which were the motorists). Most of these accidents are the result of careless driving and can easily be prevented.
To help improve safety on the highways for road crews as well as emergency personnel, the Slow for the Cone Zone campaign will include a major enforcement
component. CDOT is providing a safety grant of $118,000 to the Colorado State Patrol and additional funding for other local agencies to target select work
zones across the state for overtime law enforcement.
The Officers of the Golden Police Department, your volunteer Fire Department, and your Public Works road crews thank you for taking a moment to slow down and change lanes to help keep everyone safe.
For additional information or questions, contact a member of the Golden Police Traffic Team at 303-384-8045.
City of Golden