Move Over Law Expected To Get Name Change After Bill Passed

Oklahoma law requires drivers to move over when approaching an authorized vehicle on the side of the road, but that law could be getting a name change.

Bernardo Martinez was a tow truck driver servicing his truck when a driver veered off the road and hit him. Both of his legs and an arm were amputated.

He died sometime later, and his family has taken on the cause of telling Oklahoma drivers to slow down and move over.

House Bill 1584 passed in the house and senate, and now Bernardo's family is one step closer to getting the recognition they have been asking for more than a year since Bernardo’s death.

“I have been so impressed with the family. Since losing their husband and their father. They have gone to other jurisdictions and work to tell Bernardo’s story,” said Senator Michael Brooks.  

“We are excited about what this can do in the future to save more people but to honor the life of Bernardo Martinez,” said representative Mickey Dollens.

So as a reminder, state law says that if you are traveling on a highway with multiple lanes, the driver, if possible, must move to the next lane to avoid close contact with the stopped vehicle. If you cannot move over, you must reduce your speed.

Bernardo’s law heads to the governor’s desk Thursday

Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to approve the name change.