Indiana State Police Urge Motorists to Move Over and Slow Down

REDKEY, IN - During the history of the Indiana State Police, there have been seven (7) state troopers, and one (1) motor carrier enforcement officer struck and killed while working alongside Indiana roadways.

Lieutenant Mike Nichols, Commander of the Redkey District reminds drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to approach cautiously when an emergency vehicle is stopped on two or four lane roadways with emergency lights flashing.

"The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights flashing and give them room to do their job safely. Violating the law can result in a fine and your license will be suspended up to 2 years if you cause damage to emergency equipment, injury or death to an emergency worker", Nichols said.

Motorists MUST change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do it SAFELY, if not they must SLOW DOWN and proceed with caution. We are asking motorists NOT TO STOP in the roadway, this may cause a chain reaction rear end collision with other vehicles, but SLOW DOWN and/or MOVE OVER.

Indiana Emergency vehicles include:

• Police Vehicles
• Ambulances
• Fire trucks and rescue equipment
• Highway incident-response vehicles
• Highway work vehicles
• Vehicle recovery equipment (tow trucks)