Move Over Law may add utility workers

FRANKFORT, Ind. (WLFI) - Family members of Bryan Osbon, a Frankfort utility worker who was killed on the job last May, want to change a state law.

Osbon's grandmother, Carolyn Riegle, says they hope to change the state's Move Over Law to protect utility workers on the road. This law currently requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when passing stationary emergency vehicles. It does not currently make any requirements of drivers passing stationary utility vehicles.

Osbon's family wants to change that, with an amendment they hope will be known as Bryan's law, which would require drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a stationary utility service vehicle. Failure to do so would result in a fine, loss of license, or jail time.

"We just want everybody to be safer. We want drivers to realize these guys are out there everyday doing their jobs," said Cindi Shirar, Osbon's mother.

Osbon's grandmother, Carolyn Riegle, agrees. "As soon as we found out utility workers were not included in the move over law we instantly said, Cindi said, that's our goal and I said it sure is."

Osbon's family describes him as a family man who had a smile for everyone and loved his job.

"This is a child that didn't really like school. Kind of graduated with C's, but he was top in his class in lineman's school because he just loved it," said Shirar.

When they found out what had happened to him, they were devastated.

"I work here, on Walnut Street and hear sirens everyday. But I knew something was wrong. So I went and I called Bryan's phone three times when I heard the sirens, and he didn't answer," said Shirar. "I knew it was him."

The family wants to make sure others don't experience such pain. They have testified in the Statehouse and the bill has passed in the House of Representatives. It is currently in a State Senate committee.

The woman driving the SUV that struck Osbon, Shelvie McDole, 41, of Clarks Hill, is charged with reckless homicide and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

McDole is scheduled for trial on June 23. She has asked for a change of venue. That request is pending.