I received an unexpected e-mail last month from a group of folks that wanted to help educate motorists about the Move Over Law.  Not only was this group wanting to do some public education, but they were going to work with another group across the state line who wanted to do the same thing.  What these two groups wanted to do…was to protect their own. 

Last week, the Henderson County, NC Sheriff’s Office in a “hands across the border” effort with the Greenville Co., SC Sheriff’s Office joined forces to promote the Move Over Laws in their states.  Why is this unusual?  Because they didn’t wait.  They didn’t wait for someone else to one day, hopefully, eventually or maybe put forth the effort to save their own.  Sheriff Rick Davis and his department’s Joe Johnson and Deputy Jason Cordell arranged a dinner, press conference and enforcement period in an effort to make sure their deputies would make it home to their families.  There were a minimum of five media outlets at the event, and that could only lead to one thing…education!

As a result of last week’s media coverage, I have received NUMEROUS e-mails from individuals and departments asking what they could do to help.  One day’s efforts have now spurred the energy to others!  So, HERE IS THE CHALLENGE….

If you are a member of a law enforcement agency, fire department, emergency services department or tow truck operation…arrange ONE day to promote the Move Over Law!  ONE DAY!  Set-up a press conference, invite the media and other agencies like your own and spend ONE DAY educating motorists in your area about the Move Over Law!  Not sure how to do it?  E-mail me and we will get you started.

If you meet this challenge, and arrange for a MOVE OVER DAY in your area or with your department, I will send you a Move Over Law t-shirt and provide your department with Move Over Law bumper stickers for all of your department’s vehicles!

Can you do it?  Can you take one day to save the lives of the men and women who you work side by side with each and every day?

TAKE THE CHALLENGE!  Your lives depend on it!

COMING UP THIS SATURDAY!!!!!!

Don’t forget about the annual CALVIN TAYLOR TOY RIDE.  You can visit our website’s related links section http://www.f-o-r-s.com/home/related-links and click on CALVIN TAYLOR TOY RIDE for details.  The ride will take place this Saturday, September 8th.  The food is great, the fun is great and the friends are great!  We will be there with a Move Over Law info table, as well.  Calvin Taylor Toy Ride t-shirts are available at the ride as are their new cookbooks!!!  EATING ABD FUN IN CALVIN’S MEMORY!! PERFECT!

Please take a moment a visit a wonderful website, www.fivestarcommitment.com!  This organization is working with high school students to promote driving safety!  Please be sure to contact them to see how you can get things started in your area!

REMEMBER!!! FORS can now accept donations online via PAYPAL!  Just go to our website and click on MAKE A DONATION!

Finally, if you don’t think lightning can strike in the same place twice, tell that to the Johnson family in Milwaukee Co., Wisconsin.  I am sure you remember me telling you about Deputy Tim Johnson’s miraculous recovery after being struck in January.  Last month, Tim’s brother, Kevin, was struck.  Fortunately, Kevin only received minor injuries.  Another twist…Kevin was working the same squad that his brother was assigned to when he was struck earlier this year.  Visit their family’s website at www.deputytim.com.

As always…Move Over, Slow Down for Stopped Emergency and Public Service Vehicles.  The life you save may be your own.