Observe National Police Week by Helping to Keep the Roads Safe 

It’s National Police Week, an opportunity for law enforcement, their families and members of the public to take a moment and remember those who wear the badge and gave their lives in the line of duty. 

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Louis Tegdesch appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to speak on how the public can take part in this national observance. 

Tegdesch said the easiest way the public can assist law enforcement is to follow the Wyoming Move over Law and put away any distractions while driving. The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says distracted driving claimed more than 3,200 lives in 2024 and injured more than 315,000 people. 

Tegdesch said the use of cellular devices while driving is the primary cause for many of the crashes caused by distracted driving, but a driver can be distracted by many things out on the road. 

Lt. L. Tegdesch

Tegdesch said a lot can occur in a brief time while traveling 75 to 80 mph and most motorists may not understand how a minor distraction from the road can turn into a major incident in the blink of an eye. 

Lt. L. Tegdesch

If the text is an emergency, the Lieutenant suggests finding an off ramp or a safe place to pull over, read and respond to the text or wait until you reach your destination.