OHP cracking down on drivers not slowing down, moving over

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol is cracking down on drivers who are not slowing down or moving over for a stationary authorized emergency vehicle.

According to Title 47 Chapter 11, Section 11-314, that is cited as “Bernardo-Mills Law,” , "the driver of a motor vehicle is to change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, including a stationary vehicle that is displaying flashing lights."

On Jan. 18, 2024, OHP Trooper Jesse Gregory was speaking with a driver he pulled over on Interstate 40 when another driver struck the vehicle. Gregory was thrown onto the side of the road and, fortunately, was treated and released.

"This entire week, the Oklahoma Highway Patrol and other partner law enforcement agencies will be doing a special emphasis on the 'Bernardo-Mills Law,' more commonly known as the 'slow down, move over law,'" the OHP said

The Bernardo-Mills Law went into effect Nov. 1, 2023 and it requires drivers to either slow down or move over for stationary authorized emergency vehicles.

Bernardo Martinez, 41, of Oklahoma City, was loading a vehicle on a wrecker truck on the shoulder of H.E. Bailey Turnpike on July 8, 2020, when a car struck and killed him. John Mills, 31, of Muskogee, was assisting a stranded motorist on U.S. Highway 69 on Nov. 26, 2022, when he was struck and killed by a driver.

OHP troopers will be citing drivers this week for not following the slow down, move over law.

"We're calling it, 'Make our shoulders safe again.' It is a law to move over, or slow down if you can't move over, for any vehicle displaying flashing lights on the side of the road," the OHP said.

The fine for breaking the law is $1,000 and then $2,500 for a second offense.