NHTSA on Move Over Laws in All 50 States

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling on motorists to protect law enforcement officers and other first responders and roadside workers by learning about Move Over laws. Move Over laws, which are now in all 50 states, are laws designed to help keep first responders and other roadside workers safe. Surprisingly, about a third of the public isn’t even aware of these laws, and traffic incidents continue to be one of the top causes of death for on-duty police officers. 

Law Enforcement Traffic-Related Incident Data 

  • Between 2017 and 2021, 149 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic-related incidents.  
  • In 2021, 22 law enforcement officers were killed in traffic-related incidents.  
  • There are Move Over laws in all 50 states.  
  • It has been 26 years since South Carolina enacted the first Move Over law, and about a third of the public still doesn’t know about these laws.  

Move Over, It’s The Law  

If you see flashing lights on the side of the road, move over. If a police officer or other type of first responder is pulled over on the side of the road, they need room to do their job safely. If you can’t move over, slow down to a safer speed for passing. Police officers, EMTs, firefighters and other first responders deserve to have a safe working environment.  

In California, you’re also required to move over for the flashing amber lights of Caltrans vehicles and roadside workers. Tow truck operators and Caltrans employees also need to have their safety maintained as they work on busy roadways. When you see flashing lights, whether blue, red or amber, slow down, move over and make sure these workers have plenty of room.  

Keeping Roads Safe in Southern California  

It’s up to everybody to help keep roads safe. First and foremost, make a commitment to distraction-free driving. People who work on or near roadways deserve to get home to their families at the end of the day.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.