Colorado State Patrol, Douglas County sheriff partner on one-day ‘move over’ enforcement operation

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and Colorado State Patrol announced plans this week on a one-day enforcement campaign focused on drivers moving over for stationary and emergency vehicles.

CSP’s “slow down, move over” enforcement period, taking place all day Wednesday, targets motorists traveling Interstate 25 and C-470, according to a state patrol news release.

Wednesday’s operation honors the late CSP Trooper Cody Donahue, who, in November 2016, was struck and killed on I-25 while investigating another crash.

Authorities said the operation seeks to raise awareness of Colorado’s “Move Over for Cody” act and the “Slow Down, Move Over” law.

All 50 states have a “slow down, move over” law. But only roughly one-in-three drivers are aware of them, a AAA study showed.

Colorado’s law requires all motorists to move one lane over for stopped emergency response vehicles, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles and those with hazard lights on.

In addition, motorists should slow down to at least 20-25 mph, depending on speed limits. Failure to comply can result in a $150 fine and a three-point license violation, according to Colorado law.

“The tragic and unnecessary loss of Trooper Donahue compelled Colorado to strengthen protections for all roadside workers through the ‘Move Over for Cody Act’,” CSP Chief Matthew Packard said in a statement announcing Wednesday’s campaign.

 “Cody was an amazing human being, and someone took away his life,” he said. “Each year, we remember his dedication and legacy through a joint enforcement operation intended to send a clear reminder to every driver that their focus must be on the road ahead to protect people working or stranded.”

Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly said taking part in CSP’s operation “isn’t just about enforcing the law.”

“It’s about protecting the men and women who serve on our roadways every day,” Weekly said in a news release. “We owe it to (Trooper Donohue), his family, and every roadside worker to keep safety at the forefront.”


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