State Representatives Melanie Miller and Meredith Craig have presented sponsor testimony for Philip Wigal’s Law, which aims to enhance penalties for drivers who do not comply with Ohio’s “Move Over Law.” The legislation is named after firefighter Philip Wigal, who was killed by a semi-truck while attending to an accident on I-71 near West Salem in 2022. The truck driver did not slow down or move over as required.
“This legislation is both a memorial and a commitment to do better, to be better, and to stand up for those who protect and serve us,” stated Miller. She added that “Phillip Wigal’s Law sends a clear message that when you see flashing lights on the side of the road, you must move over or slow down.”
Currently, the penalty for failing to move over or slow down when approaching stationary vehicles with flashing lights is capped at a $300 fine. Under the proposed bill, penalties would increase significantly:
– First Violation: Fine up to $300 (Current Law)
– Subsequent Violations (within one year): Fine up to $1,000
– Violation Resulting in Injury: Fine up to $5,000 and potential license suspension
– Violation Resulting in Death: Fine up to $10,000, charge of vehicular homicide, and license suspension
The bill will now proceed for further review by the House Judiciary Committee.
