Move Over/Slow Down Important for Everyone’s Safety

Wednesday, May 12, two Topeka-area law enforcement officers were fortunate to have survived after they were struck while standing outside their vehicles. A Kansas Highway Patrol trooper and Topeka Police Department officer were parked on the right shoulder of I-70 eastbound, near the MacVicar exit, assisting in the search for two subjects who had earlier fled from authorities on foot. As traffic came through the area, a van drove onto the shoulder, struck the rear of the Topeka PD car and KHP car, spun around, and hit the two officers, knocking them down the embankment. The van then rolled down the embankment, taking the KHP car with it.

Thankfully, everyone involved survived the crash. Our trooper was released from the hospital Wednesday night, and the Topeka PD officer remains hospitalized. The two occupants of the van were also transported to the hospital. The driver has been released, and as of yesterday, the passenger remains hospitalized. Given the circumstances of the crash, and the area it was in, all involved are lucky to have survived.

These two officers became victims of what many law enforcement officers consider the most dangerous aspect of the job—conducting business roadside, while outside of the patrol vehicle, and being struck by a passing motorist. More law enforcement officers across the nation are killed in traffic crashes, than by gunfire. So far this year, 27 officers have been killed in traffic crashes, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. Last year, 116 officers were lost in the line of duty. Of those, 51 were killed in traffic-related incidents.

This week, May 9-15 is National Police Week, designated to honor the lives of officers killed in the line of duty. This is an important time to remind travelers to slow down and move over for stopped emergency vehicles. These officers put their lives on the line everyday for public safety. We must all do our part to ensure their safety, so at the end of their shifts they are able to return safely to their families.

On May 16, 2000, Governor Bill Graves signed into law House Bill 2641, which laid the foundation to help protect law enforcement and emergency workers. Also known as “Goodheart’s Law,” after fallen KHP Master Trooper Dean Goodheart, who was struck and killed while conducting a truck inspection in 1995, HB 2641 requires motorists to slow down and/or move over near stopped emergency vehicles. In 2006, KDOT road crews, and the Patrol’s Motorist Assist personnel were added to the legislation. The law now also requires traffic to slow down and/or move over away from vehicles engaged in highway construction or maintenance operations when the vehicles are displaying amber flashing lights.

If you see an emergency or maintenance vehicle stopped on the shoulder, pay attention to your driving and maintain your focus on the road. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted by what the officer or maintenance workers are doing. If you are distracted, you could easily drive out of your lane, striking another vehicle, object, or person.

It’s important that motorists follow this law by moving over and slowing down for personnel on the roadside. It is vital, not only for the safety of our officers, and road crews, but also for the safety of the motoring public. I would like to thank all of the law enforcement officers, first responders, KDOT personnel, and others who assisted with the crash. I would also like to offer a thank you to those members of the public who have expressed concern for those involved. I am grateful that no one was killed in Wednesday’s crash, and hopeful for a speedy recovery for each person involved!