Next year, motorists in North Carolina will face stiffer penalties if they fail to move over and slow down when a stopped law enforcement or emergency vehicle is on the side of the road.

Fines have been increased to $250. New language in the law calls for motorists to “be prepared to stop,” suggesting motorists should have their foot poised over their brake. An addition to the law also toughens the charge against a motorist who crashes into a stopped vehicle and causes serious injury or death by making it a felony.

Families for Roadside Safety, an organization based in Haywood County, lobbied for the stiffer penalties in hopes of bringing attention to the law and increasing compliance. The group formed in response to the deaths of two highway patrol troopers in Haywood County in less than 18 months. Both were stopped on the side of the interstate when another vehicle plowed into them. One motorist was killed in one of the incidents as well. About four years ago, a WLOS TV anchor was killed the same way. Her car had broken down and someone ran off the road and hit her while she was sitting in her car waiting for help to arrive.

The stiffer fines, shuttled through the General Assembly by N.C. Rap. Ray Rapp, D-Mars Hill, was passed unanimously.

Families for Roadside safety is raising money to put billboards up along the interstates in North Carolina notifying motorists of the law between now and when it goes into effect in summer 2006.

“We all have the responsibility to educate our friends, family and co-workers about these changes. Together we can make our highways safer,” said Lara Feinberg, president and founder of Families for Roadside Safety.

To donate to the billboard fund, go to www.f-o-r-s.com or call 828.926.8389.

— By Becky Johnson