‘Move Over’ to protect first responders

   Every day on Colorado roadways, first responders put their lives at risk to protect the public — especially while on the side of the road. Traffic-related incidents are the leading cause of death for on-duty law enforcement officers, fire, EMS, maintenance workers and tow/recovery professionals.
    In an effort to protect first responders and others, a new campaign is educating motorists about the state’s “Move Over” law that requires drivers to move over and/or slow down when approaching stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles.
    The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Towing and Recovery Association of Colorado to get the word out to every motorist: “Move Over. It’s the Law.”
    “We see it too often,” said Maj. Tim Keeton, Colorado State Patrol. “Law enforcement officers and first responders work in dangerous traffic situations all the time, but drivers increase their risk of being hit when they zoom by and ignore the flashing lights — and the law.”
    According to recent data, 52 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic-related incidents in 2015. Out of those killed in 2015, 11 officers were struck and killed outside their vehicles. That’s why all drivers need to know the law and follow it.

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