Steer Clear Effort Launched in Blair County

ALTOONA, BLAIR COUNTY - State Police were out in force  in the Altoona Area on Monday making drivers aware of the need to "Steer Clear."  Troopers wanted to draw attention to the  state law that requires motorists to  take specific steps to avoid emergency workers on the side of the highway.
   State police  stepped up their efforts to combat aggressive driving along Interstate 99  and other highways in the region.
      Their focus has been on efforts to keep  emergency workers safe.
      Troopers were busy  pulling over motorists for a number of traffic violations including speeding.  While one driver was  being ticketed, troopers were on the watch for other violations.   The state's "Steer Clear"  law requires motorists to pull over into an unused lane any time there is a emergency  vehicle parked by the side of a highway with  its lights flashing.
      The idea to   make motorists aware of the need to slow down and leave some space between their vehicles and the emergency response workers who have to stay close to traffic.
      It's a matter of protecting those workers and possibly saving lives.  Troopers  pointed out that   failure to move away from  an emergency  vehicle with light flashing  can lead to a fine of $250.