The Ohio State Highway Patrol is reminding drivers to move over a lane and slow down when approaching any emergency or roadside work vehicle with flashing lights.
Governor Mike DeWine emphasized the importance of protecting workers on Ohio roads, saying,
“Moving over and slowing down is a meaningful way to protect not just law enforcement and other first responders, but road construction workers, tow truck operators, and maintenance and utility crews.”
Ohio’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes when possible, or slow down and proceed with caution if a lane change isn’t safe.
The law’s importance was highlighted by the tragic death of Trooper Nicholas P. Cayton last year, who was struck while working in his patrol cruiser on State Route 11 in Mahoning County.
Patrol Superintendent Colonel Charles A. Jones called the loss “an absolute tragedy” and urged drivers to follow the law to protect themselves and roadside workers.
Failing to move over or slow down also puts drivers at risk.
In 2021, a driver was killed in Defiance County after striking a stopped patrol cruiser whose emergency lights were on.
Over the past four years, 62 Patrol cruisers were involved in crashes on the roadside due to drivers failing to move over or slow down, resulting in two deaths and 43 injuries.
For more information on Ohio’s work zones and safety tips, visit workzonedashboard.ohio.gov.
