All of us at the West Grove Fire Company are shocked and saddened at the loss of two PA State Troopers in Philadelphia last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with the State Police and the families of the troopers, and those of the civilian pedestrian also killed.

We now know from the State Police who announced this morning that the troopers were struck on I-95 as the troopers were in the left lane assisting a civilian, and this reminds us at the WGFC of the hazards of operating on highways during an emergency. While the PA State Police continue their work investigating this as a DUI (driving while under the influence) incident, the tragedy should be a reminder to all about Pennsylvania's "Move Over" law:

- Drivers approaching an emergency response area must safely merge into a lane further away from a response area.
- Drivers who cannot merge must reduce speed to at least 20 mph less than the posted speed limit in the response area.
- (PA Title 75, Section 4572.2) An emergency response area is where an emergency vehicle has its lights flashing, or where road crews or emergency responders have lighted flares, posted signs, or try to warn travelers.
- This law is designed to protect first responders (police, EMS, fire, and other first responders like tow operators or road workers).
- There is a similar law that protects trash and recycling workers (Title 75, Section 4572.2).

For more information on the Move Over law, see: https://www.penndot.pa.gov/TravelInPA/Safety/TrafficSafetyAndDriverTopics/Pages/Move-Over,-Slow-Down.aspx
For more on the tragedy in Philadelphia, see: https://6abc.com/i-95-crash-pennsylvania-state-troopers-south-philadelphia-pa-struck-by-car/11668768/