I choose to believe that the majority of drivers don’t know what to do when an emergency vehicle is in their midst, lights flashing, sirens blaring. Why else would they stupidly just keep driving like nothing is happening?
Some people think they know what to do – get over – but they don’t always do it. And, what do you do if you can’t get over?
Let me help.
The Law: Dubbed “Move Over” laws, all 50 states now have them except for the District of Columbia. (What the heck is up with that, D.C.??)
I digress. Moving on…
A “move over” law requires motorists to move over and change lanes to give safe clearance to law enforcement officers, firefighters, ambulances, utility workers, and in some cases, tow-truck drivers. Officers will pull over drivers who do not change lanes or lower their speed when they pass them doing their job on the streets.
Under current law In Maryland, for example, drivers should move over for police cars, ambulances and tow trucks that are parked along or in roadways – by at least 3 feet. The law was recently expanded to include transportation, service and utility vehicles, as well as waste and recycling trucks that have their lights flashing. If drivers cannot safely move over, the law requires them to slow down to a safer speed.
“Move Over, America” is a public awareness campaign to protect emergency personnel along the nation’s roadsides.
According to their web site, it “is a partnership originally founded in 2007 by the National Safety Commission, the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Association of Police Organizations. The partnership has also received the full support of the American Association of State Troopers. The campaign is the first nationally coordinated effort to educate Americans about “Move Over” laws and how they help protect the law enforcement officers who risk their lives protecting the public.”
The Pew Charitable Trusts says, “Despite the laws, safety experts say many drivers remain ignorant of [move over laws] and that states need to do a better job of educating motorists about what’s at stake.”
Yes, it’s a pain when an emergency vehicle is approaching – it slows you down and prevents you from getting to your destination as quickly as you want.
But I always think to myself: ‘What if it was a member of my family in that ambulance?’ or ‘what if that firetruck is on the way to my house?’ I’d want them to get to their destination as fast as they could. Wouldn’t you?
Special note to jerks: You know who you are. When people do the right thing and pull over and then try to get back onto the roadway once the emergency vehicle has passed and you don’t let them back in…jerk move.
Resources:
The Pew Charitable Trusts: ‘Move Over’ Laws Aim to Save Lives on the Highways
AAA Digest of Motor Laws: Move Over Laws
