Flagman returns to Big Island schools with ‘Move Over’ safety message

A roadside safety campaign created in memory of a Connecticut tow operator killed while assisting motorists is returning to the Big Island this week with a message aimed at a new generation of drivers and passengers.

Flagman Inc., an award-winning nonprofit educational campaign, will hold 14 assemblies at seven Big Island schools. It began Monday and runs through Friday.

The program uses real-world scenarios and local emergency personnel to teach students about Hawaiʻi’s Move Over law and the dangers faced by people working along roadways.

The campaign was founded by Cindy Iodice, a longtime Oʻahu resident, following the death of her brother, Corey Iodice, a tow operator who died six years ago after another vehicle crashed into him while he was working near traffic in Connecticut.

His death helped fuel a broader effort to educate the public about the risks faced by tow operators, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and highway workers.

With Hawaiʻi’s expanded “Slow Down, Move Over” law, Iodice said, the campaign’s return to the Big Island is particularly timely.

Drivers already were required to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles. But Act 95, that was signed in June by Gov. Josh Green, requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane, if possible, for all stationary vehicles stopped on the side of the road, including tow truck operators, stranded drivers and anyone having car or truck trouble on Hawaiʻi’s roadways.

If a safe lane change is not possible, drivers must continue at a safe, reasonable speed and stop only to avoid a collision.

Flagman’s school presentations bring together members of those professions to explain the Move Over law in language children can understand. The goal is to teach students what drivers are required to do when approaching a roadside emergency, and to help them recognize the people the law is intended to protect.

Iodice said the Flagman program empowers kids to be active passengers.

“It also encourages them to speak up when their driver is distracted or speeding and approaching roadside incidents unsafely,” she said.

The campaign encourages students to become part of the safety effort even when they are not behind the wheel. As passengers, children can remind adults to slow down, pay attention and give emergency and roadside workers room to operate safely.

The Big Island schedule from Aug. 31 to Sept. 4:

Monday: Hilo High School, 556 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo — 8:30 a.m., 10:10 a.m. and 12:05 p.m.
Tuesday: Hilo Intermediate, 587 Waianuenue Ave., Hilo — 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.
Wednesday: Kea’au Elementary, Puna District, 16-680 Kea’au-Pahoa Road — 8:30 a.m. and 9:10 a.m.
Wednesday: Kea’au Middle, Puna District, 16-565 Kea’au-Pahoa Road, Kea’au — 12:20 p.m.
Thursday: Pa’auilo Elementary, Pa’auilo District, 43-1497 Hau’ola Road, Pa’auilo — 1 p.m.
Friday: Chiefess Kapiolani Elementary, 966 Kilauea Ave., Hilo — 8:30 a.m. and 9:15 a.m.
Friday: Ka’umana Elementary, Hilo District, 1710 Kaumana Drive, Hilo — 1:20 p.m.