Move Over laws are designed to protect law enforcement officers, firefighters, tow truck drivers, and other roadside workers who are stopped on the side of the road. These laws require motorists to move over one lane or slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights. These laws should be followed whenever any vehicle is stopped on the roadside or any pedestrian is at risk of being hit by a motor vehicle.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have enacted Move Over laws. The laws vary from state to state, but they typically require drivers to move over a lane when approaching an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or sirens. If it is unsafe to move over, drivers must slow down to a safe speed.
Move Over laws effectively reduce the number of injuries and fatalities involving roadside workers. In fact, a study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that Move Over laws have resulted in a 23% decrease in the number of deaths of roadside workers. Move Over laws have also effectively reduced the number of fatalities and injuries to emergency responders. In 2018, there were 225 fatalities and 19,100 injuries to emergency responders in crashes involving a struck-by vehicle. Move Over laws are estimated to have prevented 200 deaths and 1,500 injuries in 2018.
There are several things that motorists can do to help them remember to move over for stopped police on roadways. First, they can sign up for a Move Over Reminder Program . These programs typically send motorists text messages or emails when approaching a highway where an emergency vehicle is stopped. Second, motorists can put a Move Over sticker on their car. This will serve as a reminder to move over when they see flashing lights on the side of the road. Third, motorists can be aware of their surroundings and be prepared to move over when they see an emergency vehicle.
Equipment to Help Motorists Move Over
Several pieces of equipment can be used to help motorists move over for stopped police on roadways. These include:
- Signs and signals: Incident Management Signs and signals can be used to warn motorists of a stopped police car ahead. These signs can be placed on the side of the road or on overhead gantries.
- Motorist Alert Systems: Motorists receive alerts through traveler information systems, navigation providers, smartphone apps, or a connected vehicle on-board unit. When an activation occurs, work zone and traffic incident data are pushed to third-party navigation providers like Waze®, Google®, TomTom®, and Apple®. (I personally use the Waze® app. It is a very good system for any type of traffic or roadside emergency alert.)
- Channelizing devices: Channelizing devices can guide motorists into the correct lane. These devices can be cones, barrels, or other types of barriers.
- Work zones: Work zones can slow traffic and give motorists more time to move over. These work zones can be marked with signs, signals, and channelizing devices.
- Public awareness campaigns: Public awareness campaigns can be used to educate motorists about the importance of moving over for stopped police cars. These campaigns can include radio and television ads, billboards, and social media posts.
It is essential for motorists to be aware of Move Over laws and to obey them. In addition, by moving over, motorists can help to keep emergency responders safe.
Additional tips to move over safely:
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before moving over.
- Use your turn signals to indicate your intention to move over.
- Signal early and make your move quickly.
- Be aware of other drivers around you.
- Slow down when approaching an emergency vehicle.
- Do not pass an emergency vehicle on the right.
- If you cannot move over safely, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Be patient and wait for the emergency vehicle to clear the scene before resuming your normal speed.
By following these tips, motorists can help to keep themselves, emergency workers, and other drivers safe. Remember, it is the law to move over for stopped police on roadways. It is also the right thing to do.
