OHP Goes Extra Mile To Teach Drivers To ‘Move Over’ For First Responders

State troopers are spending this week educating drivers in all 77 counties on the rules of the road. Troopers are passing out pamphlets and discussing the move over law in observance of National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week.  

You're driving down the road and you spot flashing red and blue lights. What's your first response? 

"Some people may just not care that we're on the side of the road and they may fly by us at 70 miles an hour with a six-foot gap of distance between our door and their door,” said Trooper Mark Southall, Oklahoma Highway Patrol. 

Nationwide, 36 first responders were hit by vehicles and killed last year. OHP tells News On 6 those were 36 deaths that never should've happened. 

"Those are 36 of our partners,” said Trooper Southall. “I lost a friend a couple years ago on I-40. A partner of mine."

Troopers said they're going the extra mile to teach drivers during traffic stops explaining the importance of the move over law, which is a law put in place to protect law enforcement, emergency responders and drivers along the roadway.  

"It's not just the safety of us,” said Trooper Southall. “We find ourselves in the shoulder a lot, but also just the general public who may be disabled on the side of the road with a flat tire. Anybody may find themselves in that position." 

The state statute requires drivers on highways with four or more lanes to move over when nearing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Trooper Southall said the law was expanded after this last legislative cycle to include more drivers such as wreckers or any vehicle with its hazards on. The law also requires slowing down and driving with caution while on narrow two-lane city streets and county roads.  

Trooper Southall said those who don't follow these rules risk citations and fines.  

“A lot of times they may not know what they've done is a violation of law or even a violation of just general safety," Trooper Southall said.  

Trooper Southall said he usually issues a warning the first time and considers it a teaching opportunity.