Flagman launches education program to teach students about 'Move Over' law

[TowNews]

Flagman launches education program to teach students about 'Move Over' law

Flagman launches education program to teach students about 'Move Over' law

 

The nonprofit Flagman Inc. has launched an education program to teach students about Connecticut's 'Move Over' The law requires drivers to slow down and move over one lane if it's safe to do so when approaching emergency vehicles with their lights activated.

 

Fairfield native Cindy Iodice founded Flagman in honor of her late brother, Corey Iodice. Corey, a well-known tow truck driver, was hit and killed by a drunk driver who sped into him as he was loading a car onto his flatbed on the Merritt Parkway in Trumbull. The crash happened April 22, 2020.

 

Flagman is partnering with Fairfield Public Schools for the education pilot program. Flagman and AAA representatives, along with the town's first responders, are holding student assemblies over the next two weeks.

 

Dr. Greg Hatzis, Fairfield Ludlowe High School's head principal, says he's hopeful the program will make an impact.

 

"When they first asked students, only about 60% had heard of the 'slow down, move over' campaign," Hatzis said. "By the time they were done with the presentation, over 97% were able to identify what that was."

 

The pilot program is being funded through a $75,000 grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Connecticut Department of Transportation.

Cindy Iodice says Flagman plans to expand the program.

 

"My hope is other communities throughout the state of Connecticut, other states, other countries want to bring the Flagman program to their kids," Iodice said. "We're going to make that possible and happen."

 

RESOURCE LINK with Video