Sen. Tom Rielly’s Feb. 23 Column
Iowa Senator Tom Rielly (D-Oskaloosa)
Move over, slow down or face penalties
The deaths last year of an Iowa firefighter, tow truck operators and others responding to emergencies are painful reminders of the risks that workers face on our roadways.
That’s why the Senate Transportation Committee voted to strengthen Iowa’s “move over” law. Currently, drivers must move over and slow down when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or maintenance vehicle displaying flashing lights.
Senate File 2091 specifies that if it isn’t possible to move over, a driver must reduce speed to at least 10 miles per hour below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.
The bill also stiffens penalties for those who fail to move over and slow down. License suspension is mandatory if a violation causes damage to the property of another person, bodily injury to another person or death. The suspensions and any fines imposed by the courts would be in addition to other penalties applicable under law.
When we’re out on the road, we’re often rushing to meet our job and family responsibilities. Let’s all slow down and be careful.
Give firefighters, police officers, EMTs, tow-truck drivers and other emergency workers plenty of room to do their job. After all, they are working to save our lives. Let’s not put their lives at risk.
Education reforms moving forward
Strong local schools prepare Iowa students to succeed and help our economy grow.
We’ve worked to continue Iowa’s educational excellence by making sure kids start school ready to learn, keeping the best teachers in our classrooms, raising standards to make a high school diploma more meaningful, and providing workers with training for in-demand jobs. We must continue our efforts to improve academic standards, increase the effectiveness of educators and develop innovations that enhance learning.
The input of Iowans—educators, parents and students—have provided the basis for the education reform proposals in Senate Study Bill 3171, which has been approved by the Senate Education Committee. This is a work in progress, and I’d like to know what you think. Please have a look at the legislation by going to www.legis.iowa.gov and searching for SSB 3171.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts and questions on this proposal to improve student achievement. I am passionate about creating world-class schools here in Iowa and want to provide our students the best possible educational opportunities.
Upcoming public forums
3/2/2012
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Oskaloosa Listening Post
At Smokey Row, 109 S Market Street
3/9/2012
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Pella Listening Post
At Smokey Row, 639 Franklin Street
3/16/2012
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Albia Listening Post
At Main St. Café, 11 North Main Street
3/23/2012
10-11 a.m.
Centerville Listening Post
At Tangleberries, 104 West Jackson Street
