New state laws have been passed to protect both motorists and those whose workplace is along the state’s highways. One law, referred to as the “move over” law, requires motorists to shift lanes, if safely possible, or to slow down when approaching an emergency or maintenance vehicle that’s parked along the side of a highway.
It makes sense for safety to give not only emergency and maintenance vehicles plenty of room, but also disabled vehicles. If you’ve ever been in a car parked on the side of a highway, you can feel it shake every time another vehicle passes. Imagine having to work while cars are passing by only a few feet away. It’s very unnerving. Then add slippery roads to the mix and it is a formula for disaster.
If you come across an emergency vehicle, tow truck, or maintenance vehicle with its flashing lights operating, give it plenty of room or gradually slow down while maintaining control of your vehicle. Once past the emergency or maintenance vehicle, you can resume traveling at a safe speed. Most of these 80,000 pound vehicles are unable to move as quickly as you may think.
Take personal responsibility for the way you drive this winter, remember to check out the weather reports before you leave home by checking the WISDOT’s winter road report Website at: http://www.511wi.gov or call 1-866-511-WISC (9472).
If you travel to Minnesota, you may want to check the MNDOT website at http://511mn.org or call 1-800-657-3774 for the latest driving conditions.
Always remember to buckle up.
This message is brought to you by the St. Croix County Highway Department and the Wisconsin Department of Transportation to aid in raising everyone’s awareness of their surroundings.
