MOVE OVER! - WISCONSIN LEGISLATION TO EDUCATE DRIVERS ABOUT EXISTING LAW WILL SAVE LIVES
The tragic consequences of motorists not moving over for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles are too common across Wisconsin. Many Wisconsin motorists are unaware of Wisconsin’s “Move Over “ law, which requires motorists to slow down or move over to an adjacent lane as safely as possible when approaching a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation promotes the law in a variety of ways: bumper stickers, signs, and inclusion on Wisconsin highway maps and vehicle registration envelopes. Senator Pat Kreitlow and Representative Moulton are taking educating motorists about Wisconsin’s “Move Over” law one step further.
The two Chippewa Falls legislators introduced legislation, Senate Bill 509 and Assembly Bill 826 that would require instruction about Wisconsin’s “Move Over” law in driver education courses and also require the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to include a question about the law on the knowledge examination required of driver’s license applicants.
Chris Gulbrand, president of the Wisconsin County Police Association said, “EMT and law enforcement groups endorse this legislation and are proud to partner with Senator Kreitlow and Representative Moulton to help move this legislation forward.” This legislation is part of a long-term, broad based effort that will save lives.
“On a daily basis, EMTs and First Responders encounter problems when motorists incorrectly react to emergency vehicles. It’s important for drivers to understand exactly what they should do when they encounter an emergency vehicle using its warning lights and siren,” said Don Hunjadi the executive director of the Wisconsin EMS Association.
Joe Kuntner of the Milwaukee Deputy Sheriffs’ Association said, “Some motorists are aware of Wisconsin’s Move Over or Slow Down law, but many are not. There have been too many deaths, injuries, and close calls when motorists don’t slow down or move over when approaching an emergency vehicle on the side of the road.”
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