Connecticut House Bill HB06183

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/11
• Refer: 1/26/11

Caption

An Act Requiring Motor Vehicles To Stay Five Hundred Feet Or More Behind An Ambulance Engaged In Emergency Transportation.

Impact

If enacted, HB 06183 would amend current statutes to place clearer and more stringent requirements on motor vehicle operators surrounding ambulances. By imposing this following distance requirement, the bill is expected to reduce instances where ambulances are hindered in their response times due to vehicles that are too close. Such changes could foster a culture of awareness and cooperation on the roads, especially during emergencies, thereby benefiting both emergency personnel and the public they serve. Potential penalties for noncompliance are not detailed in the available text, but they would typically be outlined in the legislative process.

Summary

House Bill 06183 aims to enhance the safety of ambulance operations by mandating that non-emergency motor vehicles maintain a distance of five hundred feet or more behind an ambulance when its lights or sirens are activated. This legislative proposal echoes existing safety regulations applied to vehicles following fire apparatuses, thereby aiming for consistency in public safety protocols regarding emergency response vehicles. The bill seeks to minimize potential accidents involving ambulances that are engaged in emergency transportation, allowing them to operate with a greater degree of safety and urgency.

Contention

Discussion surrounding HB 06183 may surface varying perspectives on road safety and vehicle regulations. Proponents of the bill, potentially including emergency responders and public safety advocates, may argue that enforcing a substantial following distance is vital for safeguarding emergency operations. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the practicality of such a rule on busy roads or during high-traffic situations, questioning whether it could lead to confusion among drivers. Furthermore, there may be debates over enforcement measures and whether penalties for violations would be sufficient to foster compliance.