Tyler Laudenslager was a father to a baby girl, a husband, and a firefighter. But, it was on the job as a H&S Towing Service driver that Laudenslager would lose his life.
Laudenslager's death is spurring legislation that could change Pennsylvania's 'steer clear' law for good as Friday supporters rallied outside the Capitol in Harrisburg to stiffen penalties against offending drivers.
"Tyler, he wouldn't believe it. He would be grinning from ear to ear," said Tyler's mom, Deb, as she remarked on the crowd of first responders that gathered outside Tuesday and shut down Commonwealth Avenue. She added, "it's very bittersweet, but I know Tyler would be proud."
The 'Steer Clear' law requires drivers to move over or slow down when they encounter an emergency scene, traffic stop or disabled vehicle. Legislation introduced by Republican Senators Doug Mastriano and Kim Ward, Senate Bill 1281, would rebrand the “Steer Clear Law” as the “Move Over Law” to clarify how the motoring public should react when approaching or passing an emergency response area. The proposal is meant to better protect emergency service responders, such as tow truck drivers and law enforcement.
“While the General Assembly took steps to increase penalties via Act 20 of 2017, more action is necessary to deter roadway mishaps,” said Sen. Mastriano, who also told FOX43 those who oppose the bill need to get on the 'right side' of history.
The proposal would establish a point system for "Move Over" violations and double the fines for a summary offense. It would also require PennDOT to educate the public throughout the year on the law.
Currently, the fines stand at $250 for the first offense, $500 dollars for the second offense, and $1000 for the third offense. If a responder is killed, it's a $10,000 fine.
Sen. Ward, meantime, as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee called for a vote on the measure Wednesday.
“The goal of our proposal is simple: ‘Move Over’ and slow down when you approach an emergency response area,” said Ward.
The Senators said according to data from the PA State Police, 7,075 citations were issued in 2018-2019 for Section 3327 (Duty of Driver in Emergency Response Area) violations. Additionally, there were 3,204 warnings issued during that same timeframe.
"Knowing it as the 'steer clear' law when the other 49 states and District of Columbia refer to it as the 'move over,' that puts us a little behind of the public awareness," said Todd Leiss, Traffic Incident Management Coordinator at the PA Turnpike.
Laudenslager's photo has been added to an interactive map that is meant to raise awareness of line-of-duty deaths caused by vehicles. He was killed when he was struck by a driver while working on Interstate 78 in Bethel Township July 21st.
See a memorial video in tribute to the fallen here.
In total, 35 first responders have died in roadside incidents this year. Tyler Laudenslager's death in July marked the 26th.
"The amount of support we have in getting legislation changed is overwhelming," said Jackie Weyandt of H&S Towing Service, who vowed to continue fighting alongside Laudenslager's family.
A spokesperson for Senate Democrats said "The Senate Democrats have not yet reviewed the bill in a caucus meeting, but look forward to learning more about the bill tomorrow in a hearing of the Transportation Committee."
"Holly, Heather, and myself from the beginning said this is not the end for us," said Deb Laudenslager. "We're definitely going to be advocates."