ISP conducts Move Over Patrols
Comet staff report

The Indiana State Police Lafayette District is conducting enforcement patrols this month, directed toward motorists who fail to move over or reduce speed for stopped emergency vehicles.

During the history of the Indiana State Police, there have been seven state troopers, and one motor carrier enforcement officer struck and killed while working alongside Indiana roadways.

Lieutenant Jay Janke, commander of the Lafayette District, reminds drivers it is the law in Indiana to slow down or change lanes safely when approaching emergency vehicles with their emergency light activated.

The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Violating the law can result in a fine and license suspension for up to two years if damage is caused to emergency equipment, or there is injury or death to an emergency worker.

Motorists must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do it safely, if not they must slow down and proceed with caution. We are asking motorists do not stop in the roadway, this may cause a chain reaction rear end collision with other vehicles, but slow down and/or move over.

Emergency vehicles include: •Police vehicles •Ambulances •Fire trucks and rescue equipment •Highway incident-response vehicles •Highway work vehicles •Vehicle recovery equipment (tow truck).