To recognize the State of Indiana’s role in paving the way for ‘Move Over Laws’ all across the country, Governor Eric J. Holcomb has declared the week of October 13th – 19th, 2019 to be acknowledged as Indiana Move Over Week.
In 1999, Indiana was the first state in the nation to pass a law requiring motorists to move to an adjacent traffic lane, or reduce their speed by 10 mph below the posted speed limit if a lane change is not possible, when driving by an emergency vehicle stopped along the side of the road, such as a police car, fire truck, or ambulance.
The original Indiana Move Over Law was crafted and passed as the result of the death of ISP Trooper Andrew Winzenread. He was killed in April of 1997 while assisting a stranded motorist on I-74 in Dearborn County. Now, 20 years after Indiana enacted its Move Over Law, nearly every state in the country has some form of the law enacted.
Over the years, Indiana’s law has expanded to include stationary towing/recovery, utility service, solid waste haulers, road/street/highway maintenance vehicles, as well as a stationary survey or construction vehicle when displaying alternately flashing amber lights.
To commemorate the week’s designation, the Indiana Towing and Wrecker Association and other interested groups are hosting the second annual Move Over Indiana Day on Saturday, October 19th. The event will be held from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. in the parking lot south of the Indiana State Fairground on 38th Street in Indianapolis.
Click the following link to view Governor Holcomb’s official Move Over Week proclamation.
