DURHAM, N.C. — Amendments to a state law urging drivers to get off the road after a minor wreck is now in effect. The

Quick Clearance Act

now allows police officers to move wreckage, and drivers can be billed for the cost of road clearing. However, the main provision of the law still leaves decisions up to drivers.

"If it's minor damage and no one is injured, then there is no problem with drivers pulling their vehicles out of the roadway so that other motorists and commerce can pass by," said Sgt. Everett Clendenin, of the state Highway Patrol.

However, some insurance agents believe motorists should think before they move.

"I don't want my child involved in an accident where someone older can change the wording or put them on the defense, and so just for the overall, I think it's better to stay put," insurance agent Chris McLeod said.

The bill's co-sponsor, Rep. Lorene Coates, said the Quick Clearance Act carries no penalties. She said if drivers have questions about a wreck, they don't have to move. However, the idea is to keep traffic moving.

"People are in a hurry to get where they want to go. It backs up traffic, so the smart and safe thing to do is get those vehicles off the roadway, so traffic can move on," Clendenin said.