NexTTyme LLC is PROUD to support the efforts of F.O.R.S.Families For Roadside Safety for their tireless work to bring education and awareness to roadside safety!
Move Over Laws in the United States
You think of the dangers that our law enforcement officers, fire fighters, medics and tow truck operators face you might think of gunshot wounds and fires. Yes, these are some of the dangers they face everyday.
However, there is another danger out there that has become the leading cause of death for law enforcement, emergency, fire and tow truck personnel combined. The danger is commonly known as… "STRUCK-BYS"
Motorists have become what these men and women fear most. Inattentive drivers, speeders, intoxicated drivers, sleepy drivers are killing the men and women that we asked to protect us. We have to protect them…our lives depend on it.
Forty-three states now have a law that is designed to protect these men and women who work our nation’s roadsides…The MOVE OVER LAW!
These laws basically state that when a law enforcement officer, emergency worker or tow truck operator is working on the road…MOVE OVER to the next lane.
If you CANNOT move over, then reduce your speed!
Move Over Laws vary from state to state in their severity of penalties and fines a well as who is actually covered under the law. For example, in 2005 FORS (with the assistance of NC Rep. Ray Rapp and NC Sen. John Snow) amended North Carolina’s Move Over Law. The initial citation was a mere $25. Now, a citation for failure to Move Over is $250 (plus court costs) with penalties for serious injury or death set as felony charges!
In less than six years the United States has seen over a 70% increase in states with Move Over Laws! Half of the Move Over Laws in the United States now include tow truck operators. Please check to see if your state may or may NOT have a Move Over Law. Move Over Laws typically have a trend (as do many traffic laws):
First, a tragedy occurs resulting in a Move Over Law (usually with VERY low fines and low or nonexistent penalties) being written and passed.
Second, no public education is done. It is assumed that passing a law is enough.
Third, another (or several other) tragedy occurs.
Fourth, the law is amended with stiffer fines. At this point, if it was not done before, tow truck operators are added.
Fifth, public education happens!
Sadly, in many states, many more steps have to occur in between and these steps usually involve serious injury(ies) or fatality(ies). It is not until a family member or someone close steps up demanding tougher laws and educational efforts does anything more happen.
The most important part of the Move Over Law …. EDUCATION!!!! This law is designed to save lives, but it is worthless unless people know about it!
North Carolina Law states…
When approaching a STOPPED EMERGENCY or PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLE:Move Over to the next lane. If not possible to Move Over, Reduce Speed and be prepared to stop. INCREASE IN FINE: $25 to $250 plus court costs ($110) + 3 points ADDITION OF TOW TRUCK & IMAP OPERATORS.
Move Over, Slow Down and “BE PREPARED TO STOP”
CLASS 1 MISDEMEANOR… If violation of the law results in property damage in excess of $500 or injury. CLASS I FELONY… If violation of the law results in serious injury or death!
