New York Working to Raise Awareness of “Move Over” Law

July 17, 2013

Each year, there are numerous stories reported in New York of law enforcement and other emergency response personnel injured in Serious Car Accident Injuries after being hit along the side of the road. The state enacted a “Move Over” law in 2011, but data from the New York State Police (NYSP) shows most citizens may not understand its intricacies.

According to an article from YNN-Rochester, the law requires motorists to use care when approaching any emergency vehicle that is pulled over on the side of the highway with its lights activated. This means that when driving along interstates and other large thruway systems, motorists should allow at least one lane of space between the stopped emergency vehicle and their own.

If traveling on a two-lane road, Traffic Supervisor for the NYSP, Sgt. David A. Martek, explains that a driver should slow down to at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. They should then move over as far to the left as possible while staying in their own lane to allow a safe passage around the emergency vehicle.

Failure to adhere to the law can result in a driver receiving a $275 fine and points on their license.

The Buffalo Personal Injury Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices encourage motorists to be safe on the highways by allowing emergency response crews plenty of space to work.