HomeMy WebLinkAboutEPD_FocusIn_Dec15
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: Kaylin Eidsness, Senior Communications Coordinator
Phone 952-833-9537 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Police ‘Focus In’ on the ‘Move Over’ law
Edina, Minn., Nov. 23, 2015 – As the 2015 “Focus In” campaign comes to an end, Edina patrol officers are
focusing efforts on the “Move Over” law in December.
Each year, hundreds of accidents and injuries occur while police officers conduct roadside traffic stops.
Following the tragic death of State Trooper Ted Foss, who was killed on the shoulder of Interstate 90 in
Winona, Minnesota in 2000, the Minnesota Legislature enacted the “Move Over” law, requiring drivers to
move to the furthest possible lane away from an emergency vehicle. If a driver is unable to move over, the law
requires him or her to reduce the vehicle’s speed while passing the officer.
“Since the Ted Foss Law was enacted, I have felt a better sense of safety,” said Lt. Brian Tholen. “Our officers
are able to focus more attention on the driver and the vehicle’s occupants.”
“Focus In” is a campaign aimed to educate the public and gain compliance with various state statutes and
ordinances. The violations the Police Department focus on have seasonal relevance, affect the quality of life in
Edina or pose safety risks to residents. All statutes are enforced year-round, but additional attention is paid to
the focus of the month. Education includes a warning to those who violate the statutes or codes. In
extenuating circumstances, a citation may be issued.
This year, Police focused on obstructed vision, failure to signal, unsafe equipment and failure to display
headlights, bike safety, Following too close, pedestrian safety, child safety and seat belts, distracted driving and
school speed zones.
From January through October, officers made 912 stops for “Focus In” violations.
For more information, contact the Edina Police Department at 952-826-1610.
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