News Release



For further information please contact: Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr

(573) 840-9500 plunkl@mshp.state.mo.us

#: 2004-11-01

Date: November 3, 2004



EMPHASIS: Troop E Special Enforcement of "Slow Down, Move Over" Statute



Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, Missouri State Highway Patrol, announced today that officers across the 13 county area will be stepping up enforcement of the state statute protecting police officers and other emergency responders working alongside our highways. The statute was passed by the legislature and signed into law following the 2002 legislative session, and became effective August 28 of the same year.



The two-year-old law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped ahead with its lights flashing. Motorists must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they are on a multi-lane highway and can do so SAFELY. If drivers can’t change lanes safely, or they are on a two-lane highway, they must slow down while maintaining a safe speed so as not to impede other traffic.



Captain Ridens added, “The job of a trooper, or any emergency worker is dangerous by nature. But motorists can help reduce the number of officers and EMS workers injured and killed by simply paying attention to what’s happening in front of them, moving over, and slowing down when they see those flashing lights on a patrol car. Our goal during this week is simple, we’ll be trying to make the highways safer for everyone, including our EMS workers and troopers.”



The special enforcement period will be conducted the week of November 8 through November 14, 2004. Officers will be looking for all traffic violations that apply and will be providing a pamphlet with additional information concerning the “slow down, move over” statute.



For more information concerning this or any other subject concerning the Missouri State Highway Patrol, please contact Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett, Jr, Public Information and Education Officer for Troop E at 573-840-9500.