Police, fire, medical, towing, and other responders risk being killed or injured by passing vehicles when responding to a roadside emergency.
To protect these vulnerable workers and improve highway safety, all states and the District of Columbia have enacted Move Over laws.
Move Over laws vary by state but generally require motorists to move over a lane or slow down, or both, when approaching emergency response vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the roadside.
The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) was asked to review issues related to Move Over laws and emergency responder roadside safety.
Officials reported that a national-level public awareness campaign on Move Over laws could assist in their efforts to protect roadside emergency responders.
Link to the December 2020 GAO report
Like other states, New York and New Jersey both have Move Over laws to protect our emergency responders.
This may be a good safety topic to share with your coworkers and contractors during the April 26-30, National Work Zone Awareness Week.
For more information like fact sheets, posters, and PSA video clips, please see the links below:
Thank you VPPPA Region II!