Bill > HB1242

This bill requires emergency personnel to use flares or emergency reflective triangles to mark stopped emergency vehicles in certain circumstances to enhance safety. Specifically, it amends existing law to stipulate that an exemption for authorized emergency vehicles from certain traffic rules will only apply if the driver is using visual signals and has placed three flares or emergency reflective triangles as soon as practicable after stopping. A new section is added to detail when these markers are required, including when visibility is reduced due to weather, terrain, time of day, when road conditions make it difficult for other drivers to stop, or when the emergency vehicle needs to remain at the scene for an extended period. The placement of these markers is also specified: on a two-way road, one hundred feet in front, one hundred feet behind, and one alongside the vehicle; on a one-way or divided highway, one hundred feet behind, two hundred feet behind, and one alongside. Finally, the bill modifies a section concerning penalties for causing accidents, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor if an accident occurs with a stopped emergency vehicle that is additionally marked by flares or reflective triangles under these new conditions.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://sdlegislature.gov/#/Session/Bill/27160