MOVE OVER: New Law For Drivers

It’s now one of Iowa’s rules of the road.  When you see a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle off to the side, you’re supposed to move over.  As of today, drivers who don’t will face tougher penalties.

“It’s just courtesy to move to the side,” says driver Brian Meland.

But it`s also the law. 

“There was a Move Over law, but nobody was moving over so we pushed for stiffer penalties,” says Julie Hanifen.

Drivers who don’t obey the law will pay the price. 

“If you cause property damage, you lose your license for 6 months and pay a $500 fine.  If you cause a death, it’s a year suspension on your license and a $1000 fine,” says Hanifen.

Hanifen Towing is one of the driving forces behind the new law.  Last September, the company lost two workers who were helping a disabled semi on Interstate 80.  Jesse Inman and Dan Walsh died when another truck crashed into them.

“I’m hoping it makes a big difference for everybody. Law enforcement, fire department, towing operators,” says John Malloy.

As a driver for Hanifen, he has spent the last two decades along the side of the road.  Malloy says if you can`t change lanes, at least slow down when you see the flashing lights of emergency, tow or maintenance vehicles.

“Even if it’s five miles an hour or ten miles an hour, you’re helping us out a lot,” he says.

By doing that, drivers can also avoid a ticket.

“I lost two drivers, but that being said, I still have 16 other drivers that I need to protect,” says Hanifen.

She believes the new law will protect her workers while remembering the two who were lost.

“So they don’t die in vain,” says Hanifen.

Lisa Inman lost her husband, Jesse, last September on the interstate.  She hopes the law prevents other families from going through what they have.

“No child should have to say good-bye to a parent over something that could have been prevented,” says Inman