Henry County Sheriff reminds drivers to “Move Over”

MT. PLEASANT — Henry County Sheriff’s Office gave out 37 warnings and two citations for violations of the Move Over Law during a traffic safety project earlier this month.

The HCSO conducted this traffic safety project focused on the education of the Iowa “Move Over Law (321.323) for motorists driving through Henry County on Sept. 12 thanks to funding provided by the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau.

According to the HCSO, “Iowa law 321.323A states upon approaching any vehicle (emergency, maintenance, passenger, etc.) that is displaying flashing lights you must move over a lane and if that is not possible you must reduce your vehicle to a reasonable speed for the road and traffic conditions.”

Sheriff Rich McNamee reminds the public that it is important to move over when there is a stopped motor vehicle of any king with lights activated or flashing, because not doing so can have “deadly results.”

The Iowa Department of Transportation states these rules apply to a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights, a stationary tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste or recycling collection vehicle with flashing lights, and any stationary motor vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, with hazard lights flashing.

“These laws are designed to protect motorists, including motorists stranded by the side of the road, persons being transported in emergency vehicles, and personnel at high risk while performing their duties on Iowa’s roadways,” the Iowa DOT states on their website.

During this educational project, HCSO also issued 10 warnings and one citation for other traffic related violations.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Kruse@southeastiowaunion.com