Roadside

AAA Highlights Importance of ‘Move Over’ Laws to Protect Roadside Workers on National Awareness Day

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On National “Move Over” Day, numerous organizations, including AAA, are seizing the opportunity to remind drivers across the country of laws designed to protect roadside workers and emergency personnel. These laws, widely referred to as “Move Over” laws, dictate that drivers must change lanes or slow down when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights parked on the side of the road. Established in all 50 states, “Move Over” laws are essential for the safety of police officers, emergency responders, and service workers, like tow truck drivers, who perform their duties in vulnerable road side settings. … Read more

Texas Crash Survivor Champions Expansion of ‘Move Over’ Laws to Include All Roadside Vehicles

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San Antonio, Texas – Seventeen years after a tragic accident that transformed her life, a Texas woman is spearheading a campaign to broaden the state’s traffic safety laws to cover all stopped vehicles, not just emergency responders. Heather Haenes, who lost both legs when a car struck her as she stood between two vehicles on a highway shoulder, is collaborating with advocacy groups to push for these changes. Texas’ existing “Move Over or Slow Down” law mandates that drivers either change lanes or reduce their speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and Texas … Read more

Bentleyville Woman Settles $250,000 Lawsuit with State Police Over Roadside Strip Search

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BENTLEYVILLE, Pa. – The Pennsylvania State Police will pay $250,000 to a woman from Bentleyville who alleged that a trooper subjected her to a strip search during a traffic stop in 2021. The settlement was disclosed in a federal lawsuit agreement earlier this year. Holly Elish, the plaintiff, filed the lawsuit against State Trooper Brian Rousseau, accusing him of unlawfully pulling her over and conducting a strip search on May 27, 2021, near Washington. The lawsuit also implicated North Strabane police Sgt. Abigail France, who allegedly performed the search at Rousseau’s request. According to the … Read more

Judge Rules 57 Seized Animals from Virginia Roadside Zoo to Find New Homes, 39 to Return Amid Cruelty Allegations

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NATURAL BRIDGE, Va. – A judge has ruled that many of the animals recently seized from a roadside zoo in Virginia will not be returned, following an investigation by the state attorney general. Rockbridge General District Court Judge Gregory Mooney determined on Friday that the animals taken from the Natural Bridge Zoo had been subject to abuse or neglect. As a result, 57 out of the 96 animals will be “disposed” of, meaning they will be placed with a humane society or animal shelter for adoption. The decision comes after Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office … Read more