It has long been the law that drivers must yield to emergency vehicles. And Colorado, you see. About two years ago. Now, violations of this law will come with more severe penalties than ever before. The last legislative session ended with a bill — Senate Act 229 — that makes reckless emergency driving, warnings and injuries to state vehicles a Class 1 felony, punishable by 12 to 18 months in prison and the fine is $5,000.

Senate bill honors fallen soldiers

Lawmakers wrote the bill, which is now on the desk pending the Traffic Law Attorney Denver, after two Colorado Highway Patrol troopers were killed in separate hit-and-run accidents late last year. Lawmakers have even dubbed the bill the “Move Over for Cody Act,” in honor of one of two soldiers killed within days of each other late last year.

Trooper Cody Donahue was hit and killed by a tractor-trailer on November 25, 2016 on Interstate 25 near Castle Rock, Colorado. Donahue was responding to another accident along the highway at the time. Less than two weeks ago, Trooper Jamie Jurcevics was hit by a drunk driver returning from a football game in Denver Broncos while trying to wave him off on I-25 in Castle Rock. The perpetrator tested over the legal alcohol limit more than four times.

Reckless Driving Discipline

The bill is expected to be signed by the governor and also increases the charge of reckless driving resulting in death from a Class 1 felony to a Class 6 felony, with 12 to 18 months in prison and suspended fines. It will happen. , up to $100,000 possible.

When approaching emergency vehicles and tow trucks, Colorado drivers should “proceed with caution and caution and yield right of way by entering at least one intersection lane.” between them. The new law also applies to commercial vehicles. The “Move Over for Cody Act” goes into effect on September 1, 2017, just in time for all highways Best Traffic Law Lawyer Denver over the Labor Day weekend.

Unfortunately, we know all too well the consequences of this type of trauma and devastating loss. As the summer season approaches, help those who help us by locating trailers, tow trucks and possibly commercial vehicles on the side of the road.