By Karen Gutierrez, Univision
Douglas County, Colorado — November 24, 2025
Beginning Wednesday, drivers traversing the I-25 and C-470 corridors must pay close attention to stationary vehicles on the roadway. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office announced an intensive enforcement operation of the “Move Over” law, a lifesaving initiative that honors Trooper Cody Donahue, who tragically lost his life in 2016 while working on the highway.
The initiative, dubbed “slow down, move over,” will take place throughout the day to remind drivers of the vital importance of changing lanes and reducing speed when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, maintenance units, or any vehicle displaying flashing lights.
A Operation in Memory of Trooper Cody Donahue
Wednesday’s operation carries special significance for the state patrol. Cody Donahue was killed in November 2016 when struck by a driver while investigating a collision on I-25.
“The tragic and unnecessary loss of Trooper Donahue led Colorado to strengthen protections for all roadside workers with the ‘Move Over for Cody Act,’” recalled CSP Chief Matthew Packard.
“Cody was an incredible human being, and someone took his life,” he added. “Each year we honor his dedication and legacy through this joint operation, a clear reminder for every driver that their focus must be on the road to protect those who work or are stranded.”
The tribute also aims to maintain public awareness about the importance of this law, in a state where each year officials, rescuers, and distressed drivers are impacted due to distractions or negligence behind the wheel.
A Necessary Law: Many Drivers Still Unaware
Although all 50 states have some version of the “Move Over” law, only one in three drivers is actually aware of its existence, according to a study by AAA. This lack of knowledge can prove fatal.
In Colorado, the regulations require that drivers:
- Move one lane to the left when encountering a stationary vehicle with emergency or flashing lights.
- If changing lanes is not possible, they must reduce speed to 20–25 mph, depending on the speed limit in the area.
- Exercise caution in areas with workers, tow trucks, police units, maintenance personnel, or disabled vehicles.
Noncompliance may result in fines up to $150 and the assignment of three points on the driver’s license.
A Joint Effort in Douglas County
Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly explained that the campaign goes beyond merely enforcing the law.
“It’s not just about enforcing the rule,” he stated. “It’s about protecting the men and women who serve on our roads every day. We owe that to Cody Donahue, to his family, and to every roadside worker to prioritize safety.”
Weekly emphasized that one-day operations serve to raise visibility on a persistent issue: distracted drivers speeding past stationary vehicles without changing lanes or reducing speed.
I-25 and C-470: High-Risk Corridors
The selected roadways for the operation are no coincidence. I-25 is one of the busiest corridors in the Front Range and has experienced numerous incidents involving roadside workers and emergency personnel. C-470 also sees high traffic density, particularly during peak hours, which increases risks when vehicles are stopped on the shoulders or adjacent lanes.
Recent data from state authorities indicate that dozens of roadside workers are injured or killed each year due to violations of the “Move Over” law. Victims include patrol officers, tow truck operators, road maintenance crews, and stranded motorists.
A Campaign Aimed at Saving Lives
The operation aims not only to enforce but also to reinforce a message of shared responsibility. Traffic safety experts agree that if more drivers adopted the habit of changing lanes and reducing speed, hundreds of accidents could be prevented nationwide.
The CSP is also promoting educational campaigns via social media, informational signs along roadways, and partnerships with local governments to remind the public that roadway safety starts with simple decisions behind the wheel.
A Direct Call to Drivers
With increased road travel during the holiday season, authorities urge drivers to adopt more responsible behaviors. The message is clear: whenever you see flashing lights or personnel working on the road, move over and reduce speed. Someone’s life could depend on it.
As officials prepare for this special operation, the legacy of Trooper Cody Donahue continues to guide a mission that seeks to protect all who find themselves vulnerable roadside.
Original source: Noticias Colorado
By Karen Gutierrez
25 Nov, 2025
