Wisconsin Senate Approves Highway Safety Zone Bill

The Wisconsin State Senate approved Assembly Bill 297, which if enacted into law, will create 'Highway Responder Safety Zones' in Wisconsin.   

Under the bill, these safety zones would be initiated when roadside responders, including fire, police, highway departments, EMS or towing - are present and assisting at traffic incidents.  Similar to current law construction zones, fines and penalties would be increased for any distracted driving infractions while passing through such zones. 

The bill greatly increases penalties for certain traffic violations within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle giving a visible signal or a tow truck displaying flashing red lamps. These traffic violations include failing to follow certain traffic signs and signals, failing to follow certain orders of traffic officers, exceeding certain maximum speed limits, and driving recklessly and using a wireless phone while in one of these zones. Minimum and maximum fines are doubled and any injury to a responder is a $10,000 fine and/or nine months in prison.