Fender Bender? Move it Off the Highway Says CHP
17 December 1999
Fender Bender? Move it Off the Highway Says CHP
SACRAMENTO, Calif.--Dec. 16, 1999--According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) there's a new law (SB 681) which permits drivers involved in minor traffic collisions to move their vehicles off the main lanes of a highway even before officers arrive at the scene."Many people believe that if they are involved in a collision, regardless of severity, they must leave their vehicle where it came to rest until directed to movie it by an officer," said CHP Commissioner Dwight (Spike) Helmick. "However, a new law which goes into effect January 1, 2000, encourages people to get their cars off the roadway when a minor collision occurs."
Authored by State Senator Jackie Speier, this law, also known as "steer it -- clear it" is designed to improve traffic flow after a collision has occurred. "By getting the vehicles out of the way, traffic can return to normal more quickly. That's good for all motorists," added Helmick.
In the case of a more serious collision -- one where someone has been injured or killed -- the vehicles should not be moved. In these cases, drivers should assist injured parties first and then wait until directed by an officer before moving their vehicles. This will allow the investigating officer to observe the collision scene before anything changes.
The CHP has been focused on reducing roadway congestion caused by everything from construction to collisions with a variety of programs including the successful combined efforts with Caltrans and the Freeway Service Patrol, changeable message signs and Traffic Management Centers. This legislative effort adds one more tool to that ongoing effort.
"We hope this new law will help relieve the congestion caused by minor collisions. Of course, if people leave a safe distance between them and the car ahead, change lanes safely, and watch their speed, we will have fewer collisions to investigate in the first place."
