The importance of the ‘move-over” law, saving lives
Patrol officers are responding after a recent video of a Utah state trooper was knocked into the air by an out of control car. This isn’t just a state trooper problem, it is a problem nationwide across many jurisdictions.
Shocking dash cam video shows us the terrifying moment an out-of-control car hit this Utah highway patrolman; sending him into the air. Officials say this trooper was the 11th to be hit on Utah roads in this year alone, and officers around the country are trying to turn these tragic moments into learning lessons.
“We’re really trying to promote our ‘move over law,'” said Idaho State Police Lt. Chris Weadick.
Idaho Code 49-624 states it is the driver’s duty to reduce speed or change lanes when approaching a stationary police or emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights on a road.
“There are a number of states that have it, but we’re just asking drivers to slow down, move over if you’re able to get into another lane, and really proceed with caution when you see emergency lights flashing on the road,” said Weadick.
In Idaho Falls, Sgt. Jeff Edwards, with the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office, was hit by a vehicle in 1999. He was directing traffic at a Bonneville High School football game.
“From what I was told by the people I was directing traffic for, I went as high as the telephone lines before I actually came down and hit the ground. I ended up with two broken legs, a broken shoulder and a compressed vertebrae in my back,” said Edwards.
He didn’t wake up until he reached the emergency room. But the good news, is that he’s alive to talk about it.
“I did 11 months of physical therapy, I was 9 days in the hospital the first time around. I was off work for about two and a half months, I went back on light duty. I always tell people I’m a member of the ‘front-bumper club,’ but unfortunately, there are people who don’t make it into that club,” said Edwards.
When I rode along with ISP Wednesday, within 45-minutes, two troopers cited and warned more than five vehicles who did not comply with the move over law.
“Nationwide, we lose a lot of officers from being hit out on traffic stops,” said Weadick.
“For not only the law enforcement, but for EMS, for fire and for construction people — move over. And if its not for us, do it for our families because it makes a huge impact in our lives, and I mean that literally,” said Edwards.
The ISP does want to say thank you to those who do comply with this law, and in doing their parts in keeping officers safe while on duty.
