Wisconsin State Patrol Urges Drivers to Move Over or Slow Down for Emergency Responders

Every day, law enforcement officers, emergency responders and other roadside workers risk their lives to help keep Wisconsinites safe. One of the most dangerous parts of a first responder’s job is stepping out onto the side of the road, whether it is for a traffic stop, to assist a motorist or to help with a crash.

In 2023, 50 emergency responders were injured in crashes while on duty in Wisconsin.

Every state has a Move Over law to prevent these tragedies. Wisconsin’s law was enacted in 2001.

“Emergency responders work in dangerous situations every day, and they rely on drivers to keep them safe,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, move over or slow down to protect those who are working to protect us.”

When there are two or more travel lanes in the same direction, Wisconsin’s Move Over law (346.072) requires drivers to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility or highway maintenance vehicles that have their warning lights activated. If unable to move over, or along single lane roadways, vehicle operators must slow down. Violations can result in a citation of $263. If the violation results in a crash or injuries, the penalties can be much more severe.

Wisconsin further enhanced protections for first responders in December 2021 when Act 115 was signed into law. The law creates an emergency response area within 500 feet of an authorized emergency vehicle with lights on. Handheld cell phone use is banned and penalties for certain violations double in the emergency areas.

Wisconsin State Patrol officers will always remember two of their own who died in incidents that could have been prevented by a driver moving over. A passing vehicle hit and killed Trooper Deborah McMenamin while she was walking back to her squad car during a traffic stop in 1989. Trooper William Schoenberger died in 1993 after a semi hit his patrol vehicle while he was parked on the shoulder protecting the scene of a car fire.

Emergency and other roadside personnel can only do so much to keep themselves safe when they pull over on the side of the road. The rest of the responsibility falls on other motorists. Remember, next time you see those flashing lights on the side of the road, Move Over. It’s the Law.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.