MOVE OVER, AMERICA: IT'S THE LAW

Our nation's law enforcement professionals put their lives on the line to protect our citizens. Certain laws, such as the "Move Over" law, have been put in place to protect our officers.

This important law requires motorists to move over or change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its flashing lights activated in order to give safe clearance to emergency personnel and law enforcement officers working alongside the road.

If drivers can't change lanes or are driving on a two-lane road, they must slow down at least 20 miles-per-hour under the posted speed limit. This law includes all sheriff, police and highway patrol vehicles, as well as fire trucks, ambulances and even tow trucks. If drivers do not move over or slow down, they can be ticketed.

Forty-two states have passed Move Over laws, most of which have been enacted in only the last few years following a series of senseless and tragic deaths of officers struck by vehicles. Slowing down and changing lanes to give our first responders the space they need to be safe is the least we can do in return for their service.

Police work is dangerous business and every law enforcement officer knows the risks of the job. Being hit by a bad driver is the last thing officers should worry about. Unfortunately, since 1997, more than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed after being struck by vehicles along America's highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

On Feb. 15, 2006, Broward County, Fla., Deputy Ryan Seguin was tragically struck and killed by a motorist as he and his partner made a routine traffic stop. He was only 23 years old. Phil Seguin, Ryan's father and a retired police officer, remembers his son as a good and caring man and an exceptional deputy who had the gift of courage.

To help protect law enforcement officers like Seguin, the National Safety Commission, the National Sheriffs Association and the National Association of Police Organizations have launched "Move Over, America," a public education campaign designed to educate Americans about the Move Over law. Far too few Americans are sufficiently aware of these new laws, and noncompliance is a problem.

A recently released national Mason-Dixon Poll found that 71 percent of Americans have never heard of Move Over laws. But once those polled were given a simple description of what the Move Over law is, an even more overwhelming 86 percent support enacting Move Over laws in all 50 states. Almost all those surveyed indicated that they believe traffic stops and roadside emergencies are dangerous for law enforcement and first responders.

Americans must know that they are required by law to move over or slow to keep our state troopers, police officers and deputies safe. Help protect the people who protect you, and follow this common-sense law. Move over away from emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road. If you cannot move over, or are traveling on a two-lane highway, slow down. Visit www.MoveOverAmerica.com to learn more and view the campaign's video. Move over and save a life. The stakes are just too high.