(JUNEAU) - During a recent gathering in Fairbanks, Representative Jay Ramras (R-Fairbanks) was asked to help by working on a safety issue. For years, drivers have been required to move over for vehicles such as police, fire, or ambulances while they were providing assistance to an accident or other emergency service. However, two other types of vehicles that provide emergency services were not included. Tow trucks and animal control vehicles often are involved in potentially dangerous situations while removing broken down vehicles or dead animals from the roadways.

HB 268, which passed the House Friday with a unanimous vote, adds these vehicles to the list of emergency vehicles. The bill requires drivers to pull over to the other lane on four lane highways if a safety lighted tow truck is in the process of picking up a vehicle. The same rule applies to animal control vehicles with strobe lights that are stopped while performing their official duties.

"Both of these emergency vehicles often operate without assistance of official police or fire. This bill offers these valuable servants added safety while doing their jobs," Representative Ramras said. "In much of Alaska, especially during the winter months, the dark combined with ice fog and icy roads presents a very dangerous situation. HB 268 should offer a little more protection."

HB 268 now heads to the Senate.

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