Connecticut kids being called on to help parents ‘slow down, move over’

SEYMOUR, Conn. (WTNH) — Reckless driving is a major concern for lawmakers and for victims and their families.

On Wednesday, some of the state’s top politicians issued a call for help. On Thursday morning, a group created out of tragedy was helping the next generation of drivers be more careful.

“Slow down, move over” is the simple message that Flagman, Inc. brought to Bungay Elementary School in Seymour.

“We’ve created Flagman K-12 education outreach program to teach kids how to be active passengers and alert their parents anytime they see anything happening on the side of the road,” said Cindy Iodice, the founder of Flagman, Inc.

Four years ago, her brother Corey Iodice was killed while working as a tow truck driver. He was kit by a car while on the side of the Merritt Parkway.

She created Flagman, Inc. to raise awareness about the danger of not slowing down for roadside workers.

Dave Ferraro, a Project Engineer for the Department of Transportation, knows that danger all too well.

“A drunk driver entered the pattern and crashed into one of the vehicles that was next to me, but before he did that, he hit me,” Ferraro said.

That was almost 30 years ago. He is still in constant pain, and wants the next generation to help their parents remember the rules of the road.

Highway safety is a statewide concern. Just yesterday, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont joined U.S. Senator Chris Murphy at a press conference about the almost 250 people killed on Connecticut’s roads already this year.

“There are far too many men and women who are dying today on Connecticut’s roadways,” Murphy said.

Murphy has asked for help from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Connecticut’s Move Over Law has been on the books since 2009, but not everyone pays attention.

“Some of the fines and things have helped, but there’s still a lot that needs to be done. Unfortunately, the public doesn’t drive safely,” Ferraro said.

But the next time these kids are in the car with mom or dad and they see roadside workers, they’ll remember this message: “Slow down, move over.”

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