By Bill O'Rourke

Guest Commentary

A little more than a year ago, a new vision element was added to the city of Prior Lake 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan called “Safe and Healthy Community.”

By definition, this vision element requires that “each member of the community must engage in, support and participate in formal and informal efforts to facilitate a safe, livable and healthy community for all persons.”One of the goals of this vision element is that a semi-annual column be written by the chief of police to help contribute to a safer and healthier community. This is the first installment in that effort, and I hope you find it informative.

Earlier this year, a Prior Lake squad car was sideswiped by an intoxicated motorist while the officer was conducting a routine traffic stop. The event could easily have been a very tragic one if the officer had not just gotten back into the squad car. Thankfully, the damage was to the vehicle only. This serious event reminded me of the fact that many motorists don’t know the Minnesota statute requiring them to keep a lane away when passing an emergency vehicle. It reads: “When approaching and before passing an authorized emergency vehicle that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having two or more lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle shall safely move the vehicle to a lane away from the emergency vehicle.”

This statute is called the “Ted Foss Move Over” law, enacted in memory of State Trooper Ted Foss, who was killed in August 2000 while conducting a routine traffic stop. In this case, a semi-truck crashed into Foss’ squad and the vehicle he had stopped.It is important to note that this law is not just for police cars; any authorized emergency vehicle, including ambulances and fire trucks, are recognized under this statute. You should also know that a four-hour provision is part of this law, meaning a police officer can issue a citation based on probable cause for a violation of this statute within four hours of the actual violation.

Important tips:

When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, you must keep a lane away when passing a stopped emergency vehicle.

If you are unable to safely move a lane away, reduce your speed.You could be ticketed for failing to comply with this law.

Ignoring this law endangers law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and tow truck drivers who provide critical and sometimes lifesaving services on our roads. Keep in mind, you should also proceed with caution when any vehicle or pedestrian is on the roadside.

So be aware, be safe and move over, Prior Lake.

 Bill O’Rourke is Prior Lake’s police chief.