June 21, 2012

REP. FAWCETT IS URGING MOTORISTS
TO COMPLY WITH NEW ‘MOVE-OVER’ LAW

State Representative Kim Fawcett has announced the enactment of new legislation that expands the state’s “move-over” law.

Current law states that drivers must move-over for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of a highway with three or more lanes. Public Act No. 12-19, effective Oct. 1, expands the “move-over” law to include two lane highways as well as cover road maintenance vehicles and tow trucks.

“I have met and spoken with public safety and state Department of Transportation workers who have witnessed horrible accidents because motorists were not careful,” Fawcett said.

“It is so important to educate the public about the importance of slowing down and moving over when you come upon any activity on a highway,” she said. “It protects lives and prevents accidents.”

According to FBI statistics, traffic crashes claim the lives of more police than any other cause of death in the line of duty, including shootings.

 “The ‘move-over’ law is an important tool for safety on our roads,” Fawcett said. “Police, firefighters and highway workers should not have to dodge speeding vehicles while doing their jobs. When we move over and slow down we give them a safe space to work.”

Under the new law, drivers are required to move over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle or maintenance vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of any state highway. If traffic prevents drivers from moving over safely, the law would require them to slow down to a reasonable speed below the posted speed limit.