SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) - On Wednesday, a Minnehaha County Sheriff’s sergeant was helping a stranded driver on Interstate 90 when his vehicle was struck. It’s not the first instance of a vehicle getting struck on the side of the road this year.
Thankfully, no one was hurt and damage was limited to a broken taillight. Still, it’s a reminder of the danger they face. A state law, dubbed the “Move Over Law”, went into effect in July of last year. It was supposed to curb the risk of accidents.
Patrol Deputy Jonah Rechtenbaugh began his career in law enforcement in Pierre before joining the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office in 2023, focusing on the Hartford area. He said the most gratifying part of the job is being there for others in their time of need.
“Helping people out. It can be stressful, but in the end, it can be very rewarding, too,” Rechtenbaugh said.
Anyone who goes into law enforcement understands the dangers they face, but hearing of accidents involving one of their own, like on Wednesday morning, brings those dangers into focus.
“I was just happy that nobody was hurt. Once again, it makes you realize that things could go from just being on a routine accident to being a tragic accident,” Rechtenbaugh said.
Drivers are required to safely switch lanes if they see vehicles with flashing lights such as construction workers, tow truck drivers and first responders.
An accident can occur for a number of reasons. It could be that the driver doesn’t see them or poor road conditions cause them to lose control, but it could also happen as a result of distracted driving or driving impaired.
“Just pay attention and if you feel yourself dozing at the wheel, it’s probably more of a concern than you think it is. As far as the intoxicated driving, just don’t do it. There’s too much at risk doing it. They’re just putting a lot of people at risk,” Rechtenbaugh said.
It shouldn’t happen, but no matter the reason, it does. First responders try to find ways to mitigate the risk of danger, like approaching the passenger side door instead of the driver’s side.
Sometimes, there’s nothing more they can do and the ones tasked with keeping communities safe find themselves in danger.
“It’s frustrating in the sense that officers are losing their lives or getting very severely hurt from that, and it’s not just us,” Rechtenbaugh said.
If you see any vehicle with warning lights on the side of the road, safely switch lanes at least 300 feet before the vehicle on the side of the road.
“The highways and interstates are dangerous for emergency crews anytime they are working an accident scene. Then, to have inclement or unpredictable weather conditions added to the mix, it becomes even more hazardous. It’s not the 100 miles of icy roads, but the 100 yards of slippery road that will get you,” Rechtenbaugh said.
“We ask that drivers, please, slow down and move over. When you are driving past an accident, put your cameras away. Not only is it dangerous, but for maintaining the privacy of those involved. The secondary accidents frequently involve more people than the original incident,” said Charlie Kludt, the South Dakota Firefighters Association President.
If you don’t move over, per state law, the penalty is a Class 2 misdemeanor and a minimum fine of $270. If a crash occurs because of a violation, penalties will increase.