Wisconsin: Local tow truck operators raise awareness for "Move Over Law"

Move over to save lives, that's the message area tow truck operators hope to pass along to drivers. The state's "Move Over Law" was passed in 2001, and local tow truck operators want more people to abide by the law.

A little more than a year ago, a tow operator was hit and killed on I-94 while removing a stalled car.

For three weeks, local tow truck operators have met with their lights on to raise awareness about the state's "Move Over Law."

Thursday, the trucks were parked along Menomonie Street in Eau Claire. Four different towing companies were out reminding people of the law.

If you're driving and see a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road, the law requires you to move out of the lane closest to that vehicle in order to provide a "safety zone."

Tow truck operators WEAU 13 News spoke with said a tow truck driver is hit and killed about every six days across the country. They said if just one person moves over after seeing their trucks out in the community, it could save a life.

"The sooner you see us and move over, the sooner we know that you see us and we can continue with our job. We've all got families, and we want to go home at night," said tow truck operator TJ Goetch.

Failing to move over could result in a $249 fine. Also, if someone is hurt or killed because you failed to move over, you could serve up to seven years in prison.

The tow truck operators plan to be out every Thursday night at various locations until it gets too cold or until they get too busy, which usually happens when the snow starts flying.