Slowing for Emergency Vehicles

The January accident that took the life of Chippewa County Sheriff’s Deputy Jason Zunker has once again brought up the importance of informing the public of the responsibilities drivers have while traveling on Wisconsin roads and highways.

The state of Wisconsin has a state statute which explains what driver’s must do when approaching stopped emergency vehicles, which also includes tow trucks and highway maintenance equipment. Drivers are given two options when approaching emergency vehicles. First, if you are traveling on a highway with more than one lane for your direction of travel, and you can do so safely, you must move over to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle with its emergency lights flashing until safely clear of the vehicles or machinery. If the road only has one lane for your direction of travel, you are required to reduce your speed and proceed with due regard until completely past.

Another thing to keep in mind while traveling on highways with more than one directional lane of travel, is that you can’t always assume that the emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road is on the furthest right portion of the roadway. The law enforcement officer or highway maintenance worker may be working with someone or something in the median, which means the vehicle could be parked on the left side of the roadway.

The penalty for violating Wisconsin’s “Move Over Law” is a $249.00 forfeiture and three points being accessed against your driver’s license. Also, failing to obey this law could result in causing another tragic accident.

Each one of you getting behind the wheel can assist with roads and highways being safer for law enforcement officers, highway maintenance crews, someone with an unfortunate flat tire, or even bicyclists, runners, and walkers. The number one thing to keep in mind is slow down, be aware of your surroundings and have consideration for others on the roadway.

Submitted by Officer Brian J. Flug