An Iowa law to protect those on the road during emergencies is expanding July 1st.

The move over slow down law says drivers must change lanes or slow down when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated, this includes ambulances, law enforcement, fire trucks, and tow trucks, but it will soon encompass all vehicles. Sgt. Doug Rupe with the Iowa Highway Patrol says this law is important to protect people, “Unfortunately, this happens quite frequently. But what is good to say is the Iowa Legislature has heard this problem and the move over law in Iowa, which has been our law for a few years now, has been amended starting July 1st it will not only include tow trucks, fire trucks, DOT workers, law enforcement it’s also going to include every one of you that stops along the side of the road. Starting July 1st any vehicle parked alongside the road with its hazard lights on is considered under the slow down and move over law. So if you’re broke down changing a tire, whatever your problem might be that day, people are supposed to slow down and pull over for you, just as well as anybody else.”

Also, if you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights then move over to the right of the road, stop, and wait for them to pass before continuing.