Leona’s Letter
Bryan’s Law at Last
When I received word that the Indiana General Assembly amended Indiana’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law to include stationary utility service vehicles, my thoughts turned to a quote made famous by Margaret Mead: “A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
This is exactly what happened here with the recent passage of Senate Bill 93 (Bryan’s Law). When one of our own, Bryan Osbon, a young apprentice lineworker was struck and killed while working roadside in Clinton County, his family wanted to do something to prevent this type of tragedy from happening again. In an effort to ensure Osbon’s tragic death was not in vain, his family, along with the help of several local state representatives and a state senator, spent the next two years advocating for additional legislation in Indiana’s Slow Down, Move Over law.
They got the job done. First authored by Senator Phil Boots on January 5, 2010, it passed a Senate vote on January 28 and was referred to the Indiana House of Representatives. The House voted 94-0 on February 16 to pass the legislation and was returned to the Senate with some amendments. On March 1, it passed 35-10. Governor Mitch Daniels signed Senate Bill 93 into law on March 12. A special proclamation honoring “Bryan’s Law” was held on June 22 in Frankfort.
Effective July 1, there will be two changes to Indiana’s Slow Down, Move Over Law thanks to the efforts of Osbon’s family. First, motorists must reduce their vehicle’s speed by 10 miles per hour under the posted speed limit if they cannot move to an adjacent lane safely. Secondly, the updated law now includes stationary utility service vehicles. Indiana emergency vehicles covered under the law currently include: police vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks and rescue equipment, highway incident-response and maintenance vehicles, utility service vehicles, and vehicle recovery equipment (including tow trucks).
The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Violating this law can result in a fine and your license being suspended for up to two years if you cause damage to emergency equipment, injury or death to an emergency worker. Spread the word about the importance of Indiana’s Slow Down, Move Over Law. And, never underestimate what a small group of thoughtful people can accomplish.
Sincerely,
Leona M. Draper, Executive Director
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