By: Channel 9 Eyewitness News
news@kcautv.com
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Two South Dakota Highway Patrol vehicles were struck Thursday morning by other vehicles as troopers responded to traffic issues during snowfall that created slippery roadway conditions on highways in the Sioux Falls area.
Trooper Dave Knutson was assisting on a call for service on Interstate 29 near mile marker 84 when another vehicle lost control and struck the back of his patrol vehicle. There were no injuries.
Trooper Jason Husby was traveling northbound at reduced speed on I-29 near mile marker 23 when a southbound vehicle lost control, slid across the median and struck the left rear of the patrol vehicle. There were no injuries. Both crashes happened shortly after 10 a.m.
Trooper Knutson was in a vehicle that was struck by another motorist two years ago. After that incident, Trooper Knutson was one of three Highway Patrol troopers who described being struck on the highway as part of a campaign to make the traveling public aware of the state's Move Over Law.
"The purpose of the law is to protect troopers and other emergency responders who are out there trying to help other citizens,'' said Maj. Randy Hartley of the Highway Patrol. "We're asking the public to, please, watch for the amber lights, and when you see them, slow down and move over to give our people a chance to do their job. You can help keep us all safe.''
The law requires motorists to move over and slow down when passing any vehicle displaying amber or yellow flashing signal lights. The law is intended to protect vehicles stopped on the shoulder of roadways from being hit by passing vehicles. Protected vehicles include law enforcement, emergency response vehicles, service vehicles and any motorist experiencing mechanical troubles.
On interstates and other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction as the stopped vehicle, motorists approaching must merge into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle and proceed with caution. On two-lane highways, motorists must slow to a speed at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. If the posted speed is 20 mph or less, motorists must slow to 5 mph.
A violation of the Move Over Law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of $200 and/or 60 days in jail.
