OSP targeting drivers who don't 'move over and slow down'
How dangerous is your job?
For those who work on the side of busy highways, all it takes is a second for a distracted driver to hit someone working on the road.
On Wednesday, three construction workers were struck in the Medina area while working on State route 18. They are expected to be okay.
"We've had too many of our ODOT workers struck. We've had too many of our people struck, ok? I've been hit myself!"
That's what one Trooper told a driver he pulled over at a targeted construction zones in Trumbull County last week who did not "move over and slow down."
The "move over" law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside.
"Tragically, troopers have been involved in more than 51 move over-related crashes since 2017. Two of those resulted in death and 41 injuries to motorists and troopers alike." said Sgt. Ray Santiago with OSP.
"This includes ODOT vehicles, utility companies and tow truck workers as well. Last year over 154 ODOT workers, vehicles and equipment were struck. Already this year 83 workers, vehicles and equipment have been struck before Memorial day," according to ODOT public information officer, Ray Marsch.
Police estimate 30% of drivers are still not following the law and being distracted by a cell phone is an all too common reason.
Police say if you if you can't move over into the left lane because there's too much traffic in that lane, you should still slow down and give them as much space as you possibly can.
