File photo, June 2, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Green Bay leaders are emphasizing the importance of Wisconsin’s Move Over law to protect roadside workers.
Mayor Eric Genrich joined Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis, Green Bay Fire Chief Matthew Knott, and Nick Jarmusz from AAA Monday to launch the national Crash Responder Safety Week campaign and urge all motorists to protect first responders by slowing down and moving over when approaching roadside emergency scenes.
Mayor Genrich also proclaimed Nov. 17-21 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Green Bay, recognizing the critical work of law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, tow operators, and highway maintenance crews who respond to traffic incidents.
First responders put their lives at risk every time they respond to roadside incidents. Each year, some are seriously injured or killed while performing their duties because of being struck by speeding, impaired, drowsy, or distracted motorists.
Wisconsin law requires all motorists to move over one lane away from emergency vehicles with activated warning lights when it is safe to do so. If unable to move over due to traffic or road conditions, drivers must slow down significantly when passing emergency scenes.
Violations of Wisconsin’s Move Over law result in a $263.50 fine and three demerit points on a driver’s license. If violations result in crashes, injuries, or death, penalties are much more severe and can include license suspension and criminal charges.
Drivers can help keep responders safe by staying off their phones while driving, moving over or slowing down for emergency vehicles, being patient around emergency scenes, and sharing information about Move Over laws with family and friends.
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