Raising Awareness For The 'Move Over Law' In South Dakota

The “Move over Law” requires motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers. The South Dakota Highway Patrol says it's an ongoing problem that's putting troopers' lives in danger.  Every day, law enforcement officials put their lives on the line to keep the public safe.

But what happens when we don't protect those who protect us?  “There have been patrol officers that have been hit by motorists not moving over as they're standing up at the car conducting business with the car they have stopped,” said Sergeant Steve Schade. “They've been hit or even back in their patrol car, motorists sideswipe them or what have you."  The "Move over Law" has been in effect in South Dakota for years. But Sergeant Steve Schade says it's a law that many motorists don't know or simply ignore.

“They need to slow down and move over,” said Sergeant Schade. “If that other lane is occupied and they can't move over, then they need to slow down to 20 miles below the posted speed limit."  Trooper Alfredo Renteria has been with the South Dakota Highway Patrol for six and a half years.  He says there’s been multiple occurrences where ignorant motorists have put his life in jeopardy.

“I stop a vehicle,” said Trooper Renteria. “I'm out there talking to the driver and I can feel that vehicle not moving over. It's actually kind of scary sometimes."  But Renteria says that all can change if motorists pay attention while out on the road.  “Just give yourself space between the car that is in front of you and yourself,” said Trooper Renteria. “Things can change really quick while on the road."

Sergeant Steve Schade says to his knowledge, no one with the South Dakota Highway Patrol has died from being struck by a motorist. And he hopes by educating motorists about the "Move over Law," that fact will stay the same.  The cost for violating the "Move over Law" is a $120 ticket.