MARCH 15, 2015
MONTGOMERY CO., OHIO
Three Ohio Department of Transportation workers are
recovering after being hit by a vehicle while working on the job.
John and Paula Kalaman get frustrated every time they hear
about a worker being hit while on the highway.
"Anytime law enforcement, first responders,
firefighters of the ODOT crews are out there they have lights flashing and if
you're not aware of lights flashing, you ought not be on the road," said
John Kalaman.
The three workers were hit while patching potholes on the
I-70 near Columbus Friday. One man was in the work zone. The other two were
sitting in a truck when a vehicle crashed into them.
"We very easily could've had multiple fatalities there
but people need to understand that they're driving a car at 70-75 miles an hour
sometimes even faster, the human body has no chance against that," said
John Kalaman.
The Kalaman's are behind Ohio's move over law. Their son,
John was killed in 1998 while working as a police officer for Centerville. He
along with a firefighter were hit and killed while on a scene...
"It could be your relative, your mom or your dad or
your wife or your daughter or your husband," said John Kalaman
But John and Paula know for every accident like this, there
are countless other times where people do pay attention.
"We will never know how many potential tragedies have
been avoided because of this law and for everybody who pays attention to this
law we are so grateful and thank you keep doing it," said Paula Kalaman.
//-------------------------------------//
Ohio Reminding Drivers About State's Move Over Law
KETTERING --Ohio's Move Over law has been in existence since
1999, when Governor Bob Taft signed it into law.
Incredible video of law enforcement putting their lives on the line.
Cars losing control and slamming into troopers parked along the highway.
"Get out of this side. Get out of this side. (beep) We've just had a firefighter hit," said an officer on the scene of a crash on State Route 35 in Dayton.
Graphic video, of first responders, and troopers in danger while trying to help others.
"Brent, Brent, Don't Move!" shouted an Ohio trooper to his partner who was hit by a car.
But it keeps happening...
"Brent, they're coming. Stay tough with me buddy stay tough," said the trooper.
"We were both getting ready for work and we heard about the accident on the TV," said John Kalaman, Officer John Kalaman's father.
John and his wife Paula lost their son, Centerville Police Officer John Kalaman in 1998.
"When I got into work and about a half an hour later the lieutenant came (pause)," said Paula.
John and Washington Township Firefighter Robert O'Toole were both hit an killed while working along I-675.
John's parent's, were the driving force behind the state's Move Over Law, which was signed by Governor Bob Taft a year after John was killed.
"Unbelieva... It was just unbelieve...To think we're just two common ordinary people who could have an impact like that and get a law passed I mean it really was, it was humbling," said Paula.
And now with winter here and with accidents still happening.
The state and the Kalaman's are working to make sure you know to move over and slow down when you see flashing lights.
"It means if one live is saved, John didn't die in vain," said Paula.
It's a battle they plan to keep fighting in their son's memory.
"To me it means John's not done yet he's still serving his community," said Paula, "That's right," said John.
There are instances where you can't move over but you should slow down.
And if you don't you can be fined.
In fact the fines are doubled.
For a first time violation you'll pay 300-dollars.
Incredible video of law enforcement putting their lives on the line.
Cars losing control and slamming into troopers parked along the highway.
"Get out of this side. Get out of this side. (beep) We've just had a firefighter hit," said an officer on the scene of a crash on State Route 35 in Dayton.
Graphic video, of first responders, and troopers in danger while trying to help others.
"Brent, Brent, Don't Move!" shouted an Ohio trooper to his partner who was hit by a car.
But it keeps happening...
"Brent, they're coming. Stay tough with me buddy stay tough," said the trooper.
"We were both getting ready for work and we heard about the accident on the TV," said John Kalaman, Officer John Kalaman's father.
John and his wife Paula lost their son, Centerville Police Officer John Kalaman in 1998.
"When I got into work and about a half an hour later the lieutenant came (pause)," said Paula.
John and Washington Township Firefighter Robert O'Toole were both hit an killed while working along I-675.
John's parent's, were the driving force behind the state's Move Over Law, which was signed by Governor Bob Taft a year after John was killed.
"Unbelieva... It was just unbelieve...To think we're just two common ordinary people who could have an impact like that and get a law passed I mean it really was, it was humbling," said Paula.
And now with winter here and with accidents still happening.
The state and the Kalaman's are working to make sure you know to move over and slow down when you see flashing lights.
"It means if one live is saved, John didn't die in vain," said Paula.
It's a battle they plan to keep fighting in their son's memory.
"To me it means John's not done yet he's still serving his community," said Paula, "That's right," said John.
There are instances where you can't move over but you should slow down.
And if you don't you can be fined.
In fact the fines are doubled.
For a first time violation you'll pay 300-dollars.