Bill Would Require Police to Aid Drivers

San Diego Police Chief Bill Kolender’s policy requiring officers to stop and aid stranded motorists would become state law under a bill that began making its way through legislative channels this week.

Besides disciplinary punishment that could be meted by individual law enforcement agencies, officers who neither stopped nor summoned help for motorists stranded on freeways or darkened streets would be subject to fines of $50 to $250 under the bill by Assemblyman Dominic Cortese (D-San Jose).

Cortese said the bill, which was passed Monday by the Assembly’s Committee on Public Safety, was inspired by the fate of a 27-year-old San Diego woman, who was raped after being stranded for four hours on Interstate 5.

The woman said several police, sheriff’s and Highway Patrol cruisers passed her on the freeway before she accepted a ride and was subsequently raped at gunpoint.

Cortese said similar incidents involving stranded motorists occur frequently throughout the state.

“Our citizens deserve the same protection while on our highways as they deserve in their homes,” said Cortese.

The bill, which still must be approved by the Ways and Means Committee before it is considered by the full Assembly, would exempt officers who spot stranded motorists during pursuits or while on their way to other calls. Officers would also be exempted when the driver is already being helped, or when the disabled vehicle is on a surface street within a reasonable distance of potential help.

When Kolender announced his policy to a City Council committee earlier this month, he said it was not new.

“The policy of the San Diego Police Department is, and has always been, to offer assistance to anyone in need of help--including stranded motorists,” the chief said.