Be sure to move over on freeways

Published 8:51 am Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Tom Johnson, Brandon Enzenhauer, Gene Matthes, Chuck Frien, Dave Sheimo, Bruce Madson, Matt Luna, Eric Foss, Linda Kral, Dave Srp, Dave Johnson, Steve Enderson, Dave Nystrom, Eric Gulbrandson and I are Minnesota Department of Transportation highway maintenance employees. Our office is on the lanes, shoulders and ditches of Minnesota’s state highways.

April 28 was Workers Memorial Day, when we honor those killed in work-related incidents. We rely on the traveling public every day to keep us and our fellow employees safe out there.

This is why all Minnesota drivers need to be aware of the Ted Foss Move Over Law, which says:

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• When traveling on a roadway with two or more lanes, keep a lane away when passing a stopped ambulance, fire truck, law enforcement vehicle or road maintenance/construction vehicles.

• If a vehicle is not able to safely move a lane away, reduce speed.

Simply put, if you see flashing lights up ahead, either move over or slow down.

When motorists ignore this law, it endangers law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, tow truck drivers and highway maintenance workers who proved critical — and sometimes lifesaving — services on Minnesota roadways.

This law was enacted in memory of State Patrol trooper Ted Foss, who was killed in August 2000 while conducting a routine traffic stop on Interstate 90 in southeastern Minnesota.

Finally, we would like to extend a sincere thank you to all motorists who take caution when passing our stopped vehicles on the highways. MnDOT employees are very proud of their work to keep highways safe. Thank you to all motorists who also do their part.

 

Wayne Golberg

Albert Lea Truck Station

Albert Lea