Rules Of The Road: Move Over Laws Matter

Move over laws: They’re essential to the safety of emergency responders, but sadly, not all motorists understand their importance.

What do these laws mean?

A “move over” law typically states that passing motorists must do everything in their power to switch lanes if there is a parked emergency responder on the roadside. If switching lanes is impossible, drivers are required to slow down.

While move over laws are valid in all 50 states, each state has its own variations. Some states require drivers to slow down to at least 20 mph, while others leave the law open for drivers’ interpretation and best judgment.

Why Are These Laws Necessary?

Did you know that approximately six to eight emergency medical services workers and firefighters and 10 to 12 police officers will die each year because they were responding to an emergency in the midst of moving traffic?

These figures are only estimates from the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. Because there is no governing body that tracks deaths due to a lack of following move over laws, the numbers could very well be higher.

Did You Know Tow Truck Operators Are Included?

You know that it’s important to avoid police officers, EMS workers and firefighters, but were you aware that tow truck operators are included in most move over laws? Tow truck operators are at an even higher risk of death. The Emergency Responder Safety Institute estimates that 50 tow operators are killed each year, though the exact number of deaths that are related to a failure to follow state law isn’t clear.

Still, since tow truck drivers are the ones crouching down and changing tires on curvy, unlit highways, it’s easy to understand why drivers need to respect the flashing lights of a tow truck and change lanes or slow down as soon as possible.

Stay Alert and Save a Life

This is where it pays to put down your cell phone and keep both hands on the steering wheel. When you’re focused on the road ahead, you’re more likely to notice when there is another car, a tow truck, a police car or an ambulance stopped in your path. Move over as quickly as you can, and most importantly — slow down.

By staying alert, you’re not only reducing your own risk of accident. You are potentially preserving the life of an emergency responder.

Stauffer’s Towing handles the most precarious towing scenarios with ease, from heavy-duty recovery to light-duty flat tire changes. Always follow move over laws, and stay safe by taking extra precautions when your car or truck breaks down.