Law enforcement encourages drivers to respect 'Move Over' law

GOLDEN, Colo. (KDVR) — Law enforcement is calling on all drivers to observe Colorado’s "Move Over" law after the death of Golden Police Department Officer Evan Dunn on Wednesday.

A man was arrested and charged with suspected drunk driving in the accident that killed Dunn and left another officer seriously injured.

One visitor at a memorial located in front of the Police Department told FOX31 Dunn always made time for those who wanted to express their support for the police.

“I had stopped and talked to him numerous times and it really tears me up,” said Jeff Jarvis.

Former police officer Bill Bowles explained the special bond between those who serve in law enforcement.

“They are a special breed it takes a special person to want to get out there and help others be in the way be a first responder,” said Bowles.

Arvada Police Department Detective Dave Snelling told FOX31 that the harm or loss of any officer greatly impacts the law enforcement community.

“It really brings home that fear about how dangerous the job is,” he said.

Officers stand ready to support each other.

“When you suffer everybody kind of suffers but we all come together to help out and they will always be there,” said Snelling.

He said that every driver should consider the consequences before getting on the road.

"You move over and failure to do so will end up in a fine and a citation but you also have to live with lifelong consequences of maybe taking a tow truck driver’s life or something like that,” said Snelling.

The Colorado State Patrol is investigating the crash along with the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. CSP told the Problem Solvers there have been three crashes each month since August where a CSP cruiser was struck by a driver who didn’t slow down or move over, as required by the law.

“I don’t remember very many crashes I’ve investigated over my life in a career as a State Trooper that weren’t preventable,” CSP Chief Matthew Packard told FOX31.

Packard reminds every driver that the "Move Over" law is designed to save lives.

“It doesn’t matter whether it’s hazards on a Toyota or red and blue lights on a police car; you have to slow down and move over,” he said.

Packard emphasized that the severe weather expected this week will likely require more first responders to be on the road helping those in need.

‘There are hundreds of police officers and firefighters and tow truck drivers and maintenance workers out there every day that are trying to keep these roads safe,” he said.

He told FOX31 that avoiding distractions, staying focused on the road ahead and slowing down are key to having enough time to respond to poor road conditions and being able to move away from roadside emergencies.

“Please pay attention, slow down and just move over, our lives depend on it,” said Packard.