SPEAKOUT (471-6636)

Friday, July 31, 2015

Rules of the road

Could you please print the law about yielding to emergency vehicles and to funeral processions? I think some of our local motorists have seem to forgotten. I witnessed drivers not yielding to emergency vehicles going to the Santie fire. They were not emergency personnel. I guess it's more important for them to get there before DPS does. The other day I witnessed a red truck completely fly by a funeral procession with all the other cars pulled over. They were three young men laughing and having a good time. The Missouri driver's handbook is online. I think some of our motorists need a refresher course.

Missouri statute 304.022 - Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle giving audible signal by siren or while having at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle or a flashing blue light authorized by section 307.175, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as far as possible to the right of, the traveled portion of the highway and thereupon stop and remain in such position until such emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police or traffic officer. Funeral procession: If you are driving a vehicle in a funeral procession, you should follow the vehicle in front of you as closely as is practical and safe. Every vehicle in the procession must use its flashing emergency lights. An organized funeral procession has the right-of-way at all intersections regardless of any traffic control device, except for emergency vehicles or when directed otherwise by law enforcement officials. The following rules apply to all drivers not involved in an organized funeral procession. Do not drive between the vehicles that are part of the procession when they are in motion. Do not attempt to pass any vehicle in the procession except where a passing lane has been specifically provided. Do not enter an intersection in which a procession is going through a red signal light, unless you may do so without crossing the path of the funeral procession.

Keep on pushing

I wish that Mike would do an editorial on all this phone crap. When you call somebody you get push this button, push that button. What have they got all them little ole gals sitting around in there for if all you have to do is push a button? Why do they need to pay them? It's plum ridiculous. When you call somebody, you should get a person like you used to. Half the time you can't even get who you need to talk to when you push the button. And if you do, they don't know anything.

A limit on recognition

East Prairie had five valedictorians this year. No, you didn't see them on TV because KFVS said you could only have three. How do you pick three out of five - so no one went. These kids worked hard all their lives to make good grades and they should be recognized.