This bill, known as "Sherrill's Law," amends existing motorist duties when approaching highway emergencies. It specifically adds provisions for drivers to give a wide berth to stopped or standing vehicles that display warning signals, such as hazard lights, road flares, traffic cones, caution signs, or any non-vehicular warning signs. The bill modifies RSA 265:37-a, I to include these vehicles alongside other emergencies like fires, collisions, and police traffic stops, thereby expanding the scope of situations in which drivers must exercise caution.

Additionally, the bill introduces a requirement for drivers to maintain a reduced speed and, if practical, to give a wide berth to public safety personnel, individuals in the roadway, and vehicles displaying emergency lights or signals. The previous language that mandated giving a wide berth only to vehicles with emergency lights has been deleted, thus broadening the responsibility of drivers to include all stopped or standing vehicles with appropriate warnings. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage, on September 13, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 265:37-a
Version adopted by both bodies: 265:37-a
CHAPTERED FINAL VERSION: 265:37-a