OKLAHOMA CITY — Members of the Oklahoma Senate Retirement and Government Resources Committee have given bipartisan support to legislation designed to help storm trackers travel state roads and highways more safely during severe weather.
Senate Bill 158 would allow storm trackers employed by FCC licensed radio or TV stations or employees from universities with meteorology programs to be able to travel as first-responders, said the bill’s author, Sen. Mark Mann, D-Oklahoma City.
Under Mann’s legislation, up to five storm trackers from each qualified media outlet or higher education institution would be extended the ability to travel as a first responder. Those individuals would have to complete an emergency driving course and have ID issued by their employer. The vehicle also would have to display markings identifying its use for severe weather tracking as well as the employer, and utilize white and green emergency lights.
The act would allow storm trackers to exceed speed limits as long as speeding does not endanger life or property, and proceed past a red light or stop sign after slowing down as necessary for safe operation. Drivers would still be required to yield to emergency vehicles, Mann said.
“We’ve continued to see increasing numbers of recreational storm chasers and storm tourism in our state. This bill in no way prohibits the right of a person to do that, but we do recognize that broadcast and university storm trackers play a vital role in keeping the public safe,” he said.
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