Driving is a privilege in our society, even though many of us often view it as a right. Laws governing the operation of motor vehicles have been written to ensure public safety and many observe them well.

It is always good to remember that every time we get behind the wheel, we are driving what can become a two ton killing machine. It all depends on the operator.

Six years ago, the Iowa Legislature passed a law requiring drivers to slow down and move over, if possible, when approaching emergency, construction or towing vehicles parked on the side of the road. For many, this is safe and prudent driving and makes perfect sense.

Iowa is among 43 states in the nation that have so called "move over" laws, so it is in a driver's best interest to slow down and move over, because, unless you know the law in the place where you are driving, you could end up with a ticket.

That's exactly what is happening in Iowa. The Iowa State Patrol is targeting drivers who break the state's "move over" law. Troopers say just in the first two months of this year, eight patrol cars were damaged while stopped on the roadside. Last month on Interstate 235 in Des Moines, authorities issued 23 tickets to violators at a cost of $116.

Patrol chief Colonel Patrick Hoye says it's a matter of officer safety. More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1997 after being struck by vehicles along America's highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

According to a national poll by Mason Dixon Polling & Research, sponsored by the National Safety Commission:

71 percent of Americans have not heard of "Move Over" laws;

86 percent support enacting "Move Over" laws in all 50 states; and

90 percent believe traffic stops and roadside emergencies are dangerous for law enforcement and first responders.

If you can't move over, slow down to at least 20 m.p.h. below the posted speed limit.

It's the least we can do for those who are doing so much for us.