March 11, 2008                                                          

 

Governor Doyle Signs Kreitlow/Moulton “Move Over, Slow Down” Bill

New law will require that “Move over, Slow down” law be taught in Driver’s Education courses

(Madison)  Governor Jim Doyle today signed into law a bill requiring driver’s education courses in Wisconsin to include instruction of the “Move Over, Slow Down” law in their course curriculum. Senator Pat Kreitlow (D-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) introduced the legislation, which passed both the Senate and the Assembly with broad bi-partisan support after the Chippewa Valley legislators were asked by statewide law enforcement officials to assist them in making the “Move Over, Slow Down” a part of all driver’s education courses.

“Governor Doyle’s signing of this bill today guarantees that all new drivers will at least be aware of the Move Over, Slow Down law and why it’s on the books,” said Kreitlow.  “Our emergency and law enforcement officials deserve at least this much.”

The “Move Over, Slow Down” law requires motorists to slow down or move over to an adjacent lane as safely as possible when approaching a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle.  Too many motorists are still unaware of how the law works.  To better ensure understanding of the law by new drivers, the bill also requires that the Department of Transportation include a question about the law on the knowledge examination for driver’s license applicants.

“Recently we were reminded of the tragic consequences of drivers failing to move over for stopped police vehicles.  I want to thank Governor Doyle for recognizing that in this case, ignorance is fatal,” Moulton said.  “This is a long-term, low-cost solution that will save lives.”