Politics & Government

'Turn Around Don't Drown' Bill Passes House

The Bill, introduced by Rep. Todd Stephens, would provide a $250 - $500 for motorists passing police flood barricades.

A bill, sponsored by state Rep. Todd Stephens (R-151) that passed last week, is designed to keep motorists away from storm-flooded areas, according to a Montgomerynews.com article.

Stephens has described House Bill 2199, also known as the ‘Turn Around, Don’t Drown” legislation, as “common sense.”

The bill would fine motorists $250 - $500 for ignoring police barricades set up to prevent such motorists from entering storm-flooded areas. The fine would be in conjunction with the subsequent rescue, towing or medical care of such motorists, who became stranded in the floodwaters.

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In addition to the fine, such motorists would also receive two points on their driving record; but does stop short of suspending the motorist’s driver’s license.

According to a , Stephens started working on the bill after hearing local municipal officials describe the high number of rescues needed in the wake of last year’s Hurricane Irene and following Tropical Storm Lee.

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This is a major victory for our first-responders,” Stephens said in a recent press release. “They are the people placed in danger when drivers ignore temporary barricades and need to be rescued in a flood zone.”

As reported in a , one such Hurricane Irene incident involved the collaboration of several first-responders to rescue a man swept away and trapped in floodwaters, after he drove around police barricades.

In that incident, which took place along Davisville Road in Upper Moreland, first responders from the Willow Grove Volunteer Fire Company, Hatboro Enterprise Fire Company, as well as Abington, Roslyn, Warminster and Fort Washington fire companies among others, worked together to successfully make the swift-water rescue.

According to the Patch report, Upper Moreland Police charged the rescued motorist with defiant trespass, recklessly endangering another person and DUI. The motorist was later ordered by a judge to write letters of apology to several of the first responders, as well as pay related fines.

Should the state senate also approve the “Turn Around, Don’t Drown,” bill, motorists in violation of the bill would also have to contend with the additional penalties.

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For the full story, visit the Montgomerynews.com website.


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