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About The independent. (Vernonia, Or.) 1986-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 2, 2004)
The INDEPENDENT, January 2, 2004 Page 15 New law designed to help protect police and medics on roadsides According to the Federal Bu- reau of Investigation, between 1993 and 2002, 111 police offi- cers were accidentally killed by passing motorists while per- forming their duties on the side of a highway. In Oregon, 12 police officers have been killed in this way be- tween the years mentioned. In an effort to help protect police officers from these acci- dental deaths, the 2003 Ore- gon Legislature enacted a new law, in effect January 1, which requires motorists to maintain a safe speed and/or distance from police or other emergency vehicles. The offense of “Failure to Maintain Safe Distance from an Emergency Vehicle or Ambu- lance” occurs if a person oper- ating a motor vehicle approach- es an emergency vehicle or ambulance that is stopped and is displaying warning lights, and the person: 1. On a highway having two or more lanes for traffic in a sin- gle direction, fails to: (a) Change lanes to a lane not adjacent to that of the emergency vehicle or ambu- lance; or (b) Reduce speed, if mak- ing a lane change is unsafe. 2. On a two direction, two- lane highway, fails to reduce the speed of the motor vehicle. Failure to maintain a safe distance from an emergency vehicle or ambulance is a Class B traffic violation which carries a standard bail of $237.00 All Troopers have stories of near-misses from motorists driving by while the Troopers are on the side of the highway. Some have had to jump onto the hood of a stopped vehicle to avoid being struck. Two years ago, a State Trooper and a Reserve Police Officer in Salem were killed by a passing motorist. An OSP Sergeant was struck by the same vehicle and remains in a semi-con- scious state. Oregon State Police Troop- ers will aggressively enforce this new law, so use caution when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along our highways. Being in a hurry for one reason or another and ac- cidentally killing an officer or medic is the kind of long-lived memory that no one wants. Ireland at Law Bankruptcy Attorney Fees Starting at $399 + Filing Fee 503-324-1500 Call 503 429-9410 to place your ad in the only Service Directory in the Upper Nehalem Valley. specializing in on-line firearms transfers The only number you need for all your well water issues. www.PCArms.com 503-324-2361 Federally Licensed Firearm Dealer 503-429-GUNS (that’s 429-4867) 503-429-0214 Your Local Vernonia@PCArms.com Water System Specialist For Over 30 Years EAGLE STAR ROCK PRODUCTS, LLC 503-397-7861 • Sand & Gravel • Crushed Rock • Asphalt Rock • 503-397-3708 • • • • Clay Top Soil Pea Gravel Pit Run Complete Screen Printing and Embroidery Service 5:30 am-6 pm M-F • 6:30 am-4 pm Sat • 9 am-2 pm Sun 831 BRIDGE ST., VERNONIA House of Beryl Gifts & Collectables Visit us at our Web Site www.houseofberyl.com CCB #103897 Ralph & Beryl Lohr Vernonia, OR PH. 503-429-4894 Fax. 503-429-4895 34365 Hankey Rd., St. Helens OR 97051 STORAGE, TOO OPEN 10-5 TUES-SAT • 12-4 SUNDAYS • CLOSED MONDAYS RV STORAGE ENCLOSED STORAGE NORTHWEST EXCAVATING SERVICES OR LIC. 106893 DEQ 37308 • SEPTIC INSTALLATIONS • DITCHES • SITE PREPARATION • LAND CLEARING & LEVELING • DRIVEWAYS • DRAIN FIELDS LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED DICK TITUS – 503-429-1492 57230 Timber Road, Vernonia, OR 97064 DEVLAEMINCK WELL DRILLING FREE ESTIMATES Water Wells Since 1950 • Flow Tests • Domestic & Irrigation • Water Quality Samples • Well Monitoring • Abandonments Licensed & Bonded 1-503-647-2864 PADLOCKS AVAILABLE 503-429-STOR O R 503-429-7867 Landscaping • Sprinkler systems Allen Reinsch • 503-429-4761 58605 NEHALEM HWY. S., VERNONIA, OR 97064 P. O. Box 316, Vernonia, OR 97064 • LCB 5012 STEVE HEMEON – YOU CALL, WE HAUL Custom Tractor Work Pit Run Crushed Rock All Sizes 1-503-755-2767 PAT’S SEPTIC SERVICE Enlargements • Reductions 8-1/2 x 11”, 8-1/2 x 14”, 11 x 17” White, Pastels, Brights 1-503-397-4632 725 Bridge Street, Vernonia • 503-429-9410 ROTOTILLING – FIELD MOWING TRENCHING – DRIVEWAYS BACK HOE SERVICE Call Greg: COPY & FAX SERVICE The INDEPENDENT THE YARD DOCTOR, INC. 503-324-3503 CCB#83667 Septic Tank Pumping LOW, LOW PRICES 24-HOUR SERVICE LOCATED IN ST. HELENS Repairs on All Leather Goods & More Orthopedic Work ALL WORK GUARANTEED Open Mon - Sat • 202 S. Main St., Banks Mark A. Benson 503-324-2226