By NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A new AAA survey of Kansas first responders sees more danger for them than drivers realize.
"We put together a survey of first responders and roadside workers," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "Everyone from police, fire, and tow truck drivers to utility workers. What we found in that survey was sort of alarming in terms of dangerous driving behaviors. Ninety-two percent of those first responders and roadside workers that we surveyed said that they have had at least one near miss incident or felt their life threatened."
Drivers think they follow the move over law.
"The findings of this first responders poll are in sharp contrast to what drivers said," Steward said. "Ninety-six percent of drivers said that they slow down for first responders and 95% said they move over a lane when it's safe to do so."
Twenty-four percent of roadside workers said they feel they are at risk routinely from drivers that don't move over.
"It is an enforceable law," Steward said. "It is something that law enforcement can ticket drivers for if they're not following that rule and moving over or slowing down, depending on the situation."
Steward said he doesn't know of any specific enforcement time periods like they have for railroad crossing violations, for example, but that sort of idea is something AAA would support if legislators wanted to fund it.