State Patrol: Remember To Move Over For Stalled, Emergency Vehicles

State Patrol: Remember To Move Over For Stalled, Emergency Vehicles

If you plan to get out on the highways this weekend, the Minnesota State Patrol wants to remind people to move over or slow down if you see a stalled vehicle on the side of the road.

“It’s important that people do move over,” said Sgt. Troy Christianson of the State Patrol. “Give all of our first responders, law enforcement, tow drivers, everybody room to work safely to be able to get the job done quickly and safely as possible.”

The third Saturday of October is known as National Move Over Day.

The Ted Foss Move Over Law, which originally passed in 2001, requires drivers to move one full lane away from an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road, as long as it’s safe to do so.

But in 2023, state lawmakers strengthened the law. Now, drivers also have to move over for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road that has its hazard lights activated.

“I think it’s very important that we did do that because we were having more motorists being struck,” said Sgt. Christianson. “An example, as I remember, a couple were changing a tire and it was on the traffic side and they stepped back and then were struck by a car. So it’s important if motorists do have a problem to pull over if you can to an on-ramp and work on your vehicle there; and if not, just stay in the vehicle until we’re able to show up and provide assistance with the lights.”

A violation of the Ted Foss Move Over Lawcould result in a $160 fine.

The law is named after a Minnesota State Trooper who was killed by a semi-truck on I-90 in Winona County during a traffic stop.

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SOURCE: CCX MEDIA