You will have to watch out for more vehicles on the side of the road if the Wisconsin Senate passes an expansion of the state’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law. Assembly Bill 409, which passed in bipartisan fashion last week, would require drivers to either move over one lane or slow down if they cannot. The current law covers emergency response vehicles and tow trucks. The proposed bill would place other vehicles using hazard lights, emergency flares, or a warning device, or if one or more people are visible on the road under that same umbrella.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, an average of 566 people were killed and more than 14,000 people were injured each year between 2016 and 2018 on all roads involving a disabled car when visibility was likely a factor. Door County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Kyle Veeser says getting swiped while on a traffic stop is a constant concern for their staff, and he hopes motorists take the potential new law seriously. 

If the bill is passed by the Senate today, Governor Tony Evers would still have to sign it for it to become law. According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the fine for not moving over is $263.50, plus three demerit points on your license. It could cost you even more if it leads to a crash, injury, or death.