(Council Bluffs) In observance of National Work Zone Awareness Month, the Council Bluffs Police Department joined forces with Carter Lake Police, the Pottawattamie County Sheriff’s Office, Iowa State Patrol, and Arrow Towing to conduct a targeted enforcement operation on Interstates 80 and 29. The initiative, which took place from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., focused on violations of Iowa’s “Move Over” law and excessive speeding.
The enforcement effort was held in memory of Iowa DOT worker Matthew Dickerson, who was tragically killed last May while working in a highway work zone. Leading up to the operation, local law enforcement agencies emphasized awareness of Iowa Code 321.323A, commonly known as the “Move Over Law.” This law requires drivers to change lanes or, if not possible, slow down when approaching stationary vehicles displaying flashing hazard or emergency lights.
During the four-hour enforcement project, officers issued a total of 102 citations and warnings. Of those, 30 were for failure to move over and 43 were for speeding. One driver was clocked at a dangerous 104 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. Officers also arrested one impaired driver during the operation.
Despite the focused effort, authorities report that excessive speeds continue to be observed on the I-80 Express lanes. Law enforcement agencies have committed to ongoing speed enforcement efforts to address the issue and enhance roadway safety.
Authorities urge drivers to remember to Move Over when they see a vehicle on the shoulder.
