Senator Donovan M. Dela Cruz Introduces “Move Over” Bill

HONOLULU – In the wake of a recent tragic traffic fatality involving a Honolulu Police officer, Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz is introducing a measure that would require a driver to take certain safety precautions when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped ahead of a driver while performing official duties.

Senate Bill 2663 requires approaching drivers to slow down and make a lane change to an adjacent lane away from the stopped emergency vehicle.  If the bill becomes law, a driver would face a misdemeanor if convicted.  If the violation results in fatality, the driver could face up to a charge of negligent homicide in the first degree.

We have lost two Honolulu Police officers while in the line of duty over the past four months.  We must enact laws that further protects and ensures the safety of our emergency responders,” said Sen. Donovan M. Dela Cruz, who represents District 22, which encompasses the areas of Mililani Mauka, Wahiawa, Whitmore, Hale‘iwa, Mokule‘ia, Waialua, Sunset Beach, Pupukea.   “Our community mourns the loss of the Honolulu Police officer who was stationed in Wahiawa.”