A Kentucky state lawmaker is offering a bill intended to aid
truckers during times of poor visibility.
Kentucky law requires drivers to flip on their headlights
during conditions that make visibility low or lower than normal. Drivers also
are required to have their headlights on from one-half hour past sunset to
one-half hour before sunrise.
Rep. Ted "Teddy" Edmonds, D-Jackson, has filed legislation
that would require all vehicles in the state to have their headlights on during
periods of fog, smoke or precipitation. Truckers and other drivers would have
to use their lights "during periods when rain, mist, snow or other
precipitation necessitates the constant use of windshield wipers," Edmonds
wrote.
Edmonds said the bill would be the most beneficial for
truckers.
"This bill is really for the truckers. They asked me to pass
this because when cars pass them on the right sides the spray from their
vehicle makes it nearly impossible to see them during rain," Edmonds told the Daily News in Bowling Green, KY.
Edmonds said the bill would help truckers much more than
drivers in passenger vehicles "but it could save the life of the passenger
vehicle driver or the passengers in their car. This bill is simply for road
safety."
The proposal, which doesn't specify a fine amount, is
expected to draw consideration during the session that begins Jan. 2.
