SEYMOUR – Students at Chatfield-LoPresti Elementary Schoo learned about the risks first responders face while working roadside in an interactive educational program sponsored by Flagman Safety, a non-profit whose mission is to educate the public, starting with youth, about Slow Down Move Over laws in the nation.
Founded by Fairfield native Cindy Iodice, Flagman Safety Inc. was launched following the death of her brother Corey, a tow truck driver, who was killed 5 years ago by a speeding impaired driver while assisting a disabled motorist. The driver failed to slow down and move over when Corey’s flat bed with flashing lights was parked on the shoulder of the Merritt Parkway, Trumbull.
With a $100K grant from Honda, Flagman Inc. presented its award-winning programs to Chatfield-LoPresti school along with Fairfield elementary schools last week.
“Emergency responders are the unsung heroes of our nation’s roads,” said Iodice, “so it’s important to educate students about the Slow Down Move Over message. By teaching traffic safety early on, youngsters will learn to become ‘active’ passengers when traveling with their parents and guardians.”
All 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for any stopped vehicle including emergency and maintenance vehicles with flashing lights.