Local first responders attend Move Over Rally

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

The Mon Valley was represented in Harrisburg Tuesday when elected state officials gathered with first responders during the Move Over Rally at the state capitol building.

The event raised awareness for emergency personnel, police and tow truck drivers who put their lives on the line responding to roadside emergencies. It coincides with legislation sponsored by state Sens. Doug Mastriano, R-Adams County, and Kim Ward, R-Hempfield, being unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. 

The Move Over Law aims to better protect tow truck operators, law enforcement, emergency medical services providers and other first responders. The bill stiffens penalties and helps clarify how motorists should react when approaching or passing an emergency response area.  

Examples of an emergency response area are when a police officer is conducting a routine traffic stop or when a tow truck operator is helping with a disabled vehicle.

The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle.

“Emergency responders are all in the field of a dangerous profession,” said Rostraver West Newton Emergency Services Director of Operations Michael Stangroom, who attended the rally. “It’s a great campaign and it was a great rally. I don’t think the bill goes quite far enough, but it’s a step in the right direction.”

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