Mangano Hits Airwaves With Safety Initiatives

A recently completed public service announcement by Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano reminds drivers to take precautions when passing emergency vehicles on the sides of the County’s roadways.

The 30-second PSA, touting the “Move Over Law,” was produced in memory of Nassau County Highway Patrol Officer Michael Califano, who was struck and killed last year on the Long Island Expressway. Califano, 44, had pulled over a vehicle on February 4, 2011 in Old Westbury when a flatbed truck hit his police cruiser.

More than 150 police officers in the United States have been killed since 1999 after being struck by vehicles along America’s roadways.

The Searles-Ambrose Move Over Act was created to protect the law enforcement officers who risk their lives every day to keep our highways safe. While it may be difficult to see emergency workers and officers on the side of the road, moving over when red lights are flashing ensures the safety of these responders.

“If you’re driving on a multi-lane highway, and see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road – slow down. And move over to the next lane,” County Executive Mangano says in the announcement. “It’s common sense. And, it’s the law.”