Letter to the Editor

Use caution near road emergencies

To the editor:

Missouri's streets and highways have been dangerous for emergency personnel for many years. With the passage of the initial "Move Over" legislation in August 2002, many people thought the problem had been solved. This past year the problem reappeared with the untimely deaths of troopers Jay Sampietro and Kevin Floyd. Both officers were killed while performing traffic duties.

After receiving 85 letters from citizens in the Licking area concerning the death of Kevin Floyd, I introduced House Bill 1310, which raises the penalty for motorists failing to move into the lane farthest away from an emergency vehicle to a Class A misdemeanor. If moving over is too dangerous, the motorist must slow down to a safe level while passing the emergency vehicle.

During the hearing on the bill, the Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee heard testimony from Jennifer Sampietro and Cheryl Floyd, wives of the deceased troopers. The tragic stories of the two women made a compelling case for stiffer penalties for violators of the law.

As a former prosecutor, I realize that tougher penalties can reduce violations of a particular offense by raising public awareness of the issue. Awareness is my goal. With this letter, I hope to inform Missourians of the dangers those protecting us face. Missouri's emergency personnel already have a dangerous job, and I know that Missourians are willing to protect those who are protecting us.

Please remember to move over when you see emergency personnel on the roads of Missouri.

State Rep. SCOTT A LIPKE, 157th District (Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee Chairman), Jackson