Gov. McDonnell Signs Ashley's Law

Thanks to the efforts of local legislators, Virginia's roads will be a little safer for emergency workers and drivers. 

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signed Ashley's Law yesterday afternoon in an emotional ceremony at Sherwood Regional Library. 

The bill is named for Ashley McIntosh, a 33-year-old schoolteacher who was killed after her Toyota Corolla was struck by a Fairfax County police cruiser driven by Officer Amanda Perry in 2008. McIntosh was turning out of the Mount Vernon Plaza shopping center on a green light when her car was struck by the cruiser driven by Perry. McIntosh was thrown from her vehicle and died from her injuries the next day.

Ashley's Law requires police officers and drivers of emergency vehicles to sound their sirens and flash their lights while driving through intersections.  

McIntosh was one of Sen. Linda "Toddy" Puller's constituents; Sen. Puller supported the bill since its creation. Sen. Puller worked closely with Delegate Dave Albo to pass the bill. Ashley's Law 

"I'm convinced Ashley would not have crossed Route 1 if she had heard a siren on Route 1," said Sen. Puller. "I hope this will cause some closure and I hope it will prevent further tragedies like this for families in the Commonwealth." 

Ashley's parents, Cindy Colsanto and John McIntosh, attended yesterday's signing. Colsanto's tireless commitment to passing Ashley's Law was honored by all in attendance, including Fairfax County Police Chief David Rohrer. 

"I truly admire and respect Ms. Colsanto's commitment for positive change to enhance the safety of all as we should strive to do," said Chief Rohrer. "This legislation enhances safety for all, and it is truly a legacy for Ashley in a fitting way to honor her memory." 

Gov. McDonnell said that all of the legislators who worked on Ashley's Law had to consider a delicate balance of protecting both citizens and emergency officials. 

"These are tough policy decisions that your legislators have to make," said Gov. McDonnell. "Balancing public safety for our citizenry with the critically important needs for law enforcement to quickly and properly respond to an emergency, whether it's a high speed chase or whether it's responding to a 911 call or firefighters responding to an arson case. Whatever it may be, your law enforcement officers, your first responders have to get places in a hurry and the faster and safer they can get there, the better for you as citizens." 

"I think this bill that Sen. Puller and Del. Albo have worked on for the past couple of years strikes the balance," added Gov. McDonnell.