Proposed law would fine drivers who ignore flood warning signs

June 12, 2013 at 12:00a.m.

COLUMBUS

Drivers who ignore warning signs and pull into flooded roadways could face hefty fines if emergency responders have to rescue them from the deluge, under law changes being proposed in the Ohio Senate.

SB 106 would institute up to $2,000 in civil penalties for such cases, with the proceeds donated to emergency crews, said state Sen. Tim Schaffer of Lancaster, R-31st, primary sponsor of the legislation.

Perpetrators also would face misdemeanor charges and would be required to appear before a judge to explain their actions.

Schaffer said the goal of the legislation “is to discourage drivers from disobeying ‘Road Closed’ and ‘Flooded Road’ signs and needlessly putting rescuers in harm’s way. ... The prospect of a significant fine would hopefully discourage this reckless activity and allow our local fire departments to recoup the cost of the rescue.”

SB 106 had its first hearing before the Senate’s Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

Schaffer said the bill was prompted, in part, by a 2006 incident in Lorain County in which a teenage driver ignored warning signs and drove onto a bridge covered with rising water.

Responders were able to save the lives of the driver and a passenger, but one of the emergency responders died during the rescue.

“Unfortunately, this situation occurs all too frequently around the state of Ohio,” Schaffer said.