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The Wisconsin State Patrol is reminding drivers this month about what they should do if they come across a first responder or motorist stopped on the side of the road, or a farm vehicle moving slowly.
This week, WSP troopers in every region will place extra emphasis on enforcing Wisconsin's Move Over Law. Troopers will also take steps to educate motorists by handing out informational flyers to those who get stopped for violating the law. The increased enforcement and education efforts will lead into National Move Over Day, set for Saturday.
Over the past five years, 128 people in Wisconsin were injured roadside while inside or near a stopped vehicle and six were killed. Wisconsin's Move Over Law was enacted in 2001 to prevent these tragedies, WSP states in a news release.
The Move Over Law requires drivers traveling on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction to move out of the lane closest to stopped law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire trucks, tow trucks, utility or highway maintenance vehicles with their warning lights activated. If unable to safely move over, or along single lane roadways, vehicle operators must slow down. 2025 Wisconsin Act 54 adds the same protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or one or more persons attending to the vehicle and visible to motorists. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $300. If the violation results in a crash or injury, the penalties could be much more significant.
Michigan has a similar law, with a fine of up to $400.
WSP also advises that stranded or stopped motorists --
-- Get out of travel lanes. Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and traffic.
--Turn on hazard lights to alert other drivers.
-- If can safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
-- Call local law enforcement for assistance if needed. In an emergency, call 911.
-- Stay in the vehicle if safe to do so.
-- If getting out of the vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain close to the vehicle. Try to avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.
With fall harvest underway, the WSP's October Law of the Month focuses on farm vehicle safety and sharing the road.
Wisconsin over the past five years has had 2,053 crashes involving farm vehicles, resulting in 650 injuries and 28 fatalities. Most of these crashes occur in September through November, with October being the peak month.
Drivers should always scan the road ahead and be ready to slow down when approaching a slow-moving vehicle. Give farmers extra space and anticipate the possibility they may slow down or turn into a driveway or field entrance. If passing, do so with caution and only when it is legal to do so. In Wisconsin, it is illegal to pass an agricultural vehicle in a no passing zone.
Farm vehicle operators should stay as far to the right as safely possible and be sure the vehicle meets all lighting and marking requirements. Be aware of weight restrictions for the roads. The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection provides a statewide map with information about weight limits at https://datcpgis.wi.gov/maps/?viewer=ioh. You can also find information about permits, exemptions and weight limits on the WisDOT website, https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/agri-eq-veh/default.aspx.