Hawaii is the only state in the country that doesn't have a law requiring drivers to give police, EMS or any freeway responder room on the roadway.
Many people, like tow truck driver Lorin Tanouye, say it's about time we change that.
Tanouye has worked behind the wheel of a tow truck for over a decade. He says it's a rewarding job, but one that comes with risks.
"You can imagine when you're on the freeway and you have people coming at you 50-60 mph," he said.
"We've had a lot of close calls where you have to jump out of the way. It's just scary."
National statistics show upwards of 100 tow truck operators every year are killed doing their job.
"It's hard to do your job and watch your back at the same time," Tanouye said.
That's why his industry and the Honolulu Police Department are pushing for a law to protect tow truck operators and first responders on Hawaii roadways.
Darryl Yamamoto, of DND Towing and Recovery, said "a lot of places is real small, barely enough room just to have a car parking along side, yet alone trying to work to remove the car from the freeway."
Hawaii is the only state in the country that has not adopted a "move over" law, which requires drivers to give a safe distance to those working on the roadway. If you can't change lanes, then slow down.
"It could be tow trucks, police, fire, ambulance, or state workers, highway workers they are all out there trying to do a job," Yamamoto said.
Hawaii has lost two of its finest in four months due to accidents caused by drivers who didn't move over. Officer Eric Fontes died after being hit by a vehicle during a routine traffic stop, and on Saturday night a similar crash claimed the life of Officer Garret Davis on the H-1 Freeway.
"We're still recovering from the tragic incident involving Officer Fontes and his family, and here we are again, de ja vu," said S.H.O.P.O President Tenari Maafala.
Last year a "move over" bill failed at the state legislature. HPD and tow truck operators say they won't let that happen again this year.
Tenari says, "the bottom line is people, motorists: be aware."
"Hopefully if this bill is passed it will make a difference and it will save lives," Yamamoto said.
HPD says its working to draft up rules for a "move over" law, and hope lawmakers push it through.
UPDATE: HPD is supporting the so-called "move over" law which would require that drivers keep one lane between them and emergency responders, or that they slow down to 20 miles per hour in a residential area.
"One would ask, why do we need such a law? It would seem that common sense would dictate to motorists that they should give room, pull over, vacate, or give a buffer zone for that first responder but we've seen time and time again where this has not occurred," said Major Kurt Kendro of HPD.
"A traffic stop, or if you're trying to help somebody, is a dynamic situation. I mean you have 3,500 lb cars whizzing past you at 50 and 60 mph "
Meanwhile, the driver of the truck, Scott Ebert, was arrested for negligent homicide and released pending investigation.
