What is the “Move Over” Law?
The “Move Over” law is a life-saving measure requiring drivers to shift lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside. This simple act can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities.
In Ohio, for instance, this law is codified under ORC 4511.213. It mandates that motorists cautiously move over one lane when possible or significantly reduce their speed if changing lanes is unsafe. Initially focused on protecting law enforcement officers, the law now includes firefighters, EMS personnel, and road construction workers.
Ohio’s Move-Over Law Requirements:
- Stop using red visual signals and lights when approaching an authorized emergency vehicle from any direction.
- Move over and reduce speed when passing vehicles with amber or yellow flashing signals or lights.
Move Over for Flashing Lights!
Ohio’s Move Over Law now applies to all vehicles with flashing lights, including tow and garbage collection trucks. It’s not just about highways – safety is crucial on all roads.
Law enforcement and emergency personnel are at risk from speeding vehicles passing too close, creating dangerous wind turbulence. This law is about protecting those who work on our roads.
Imagine yourself in their shoes as you approach a vehicle on the side of the road. Wind turbulence can be powerful enough to rock heavy vehicles – imagine how it affects individuals standing there.
Remember, violating this law comes with hefty fines—$300 for a first offense, $500 for a second offense in a year, and $1,000 for a third offense. Don’t take chances—obey the law and keep everyone safe.”
The Danger of Roadside Accidents
Every year, hundreds of people are injured or killed in accidents involving vehicles pulled over on the roadside. These accidents are often due to drivers not paying attention or failing to give enough space to stopped vehicles. A moment of inattention can lead to devastating consequences, affecting not just the victims but their families and communities.
How to Safely Move Over
Moving over safely involves a few simple steps:
- Stay Alert: Watch for flashing lights or vehicles stopped on the roadside.
- Signal Early: Use turn signals to indicate your intention to change lanes.
- Check Mirrors: Ensure it’s safe to move over by checking your mirrors and blind spots.
- Move Over Smoothly: Shift to the next lane cautiously without abrupt movements.
- Slow Down: If you can’t change lanes, reduce your speed significantly as you pass the stopped vehicle.
What happens if someone can’t move over?
Drivers who are unable to change lanes must slow down and proceed cautiously. For instance, if you spot a police officer conducting a traffic stop ahead, try moving over to an adjacent lane. If that’s impossible, reduce your speed and approach carefully to avoid potential accidents. Be ready to come to a complete stop if necessary. Stay safe on the road!
The Importance of the “Move Over” Law
Protecting Lives
The primary reason for the “Move Over” law is to protect the lives of individuals who work on or near roadways. These people are often in vulnerable positions, dealing with emergencies or performing essential maintenance.
Reducing Collisions
Moving over or slowing down reduces the risk of collisions with roadside workers or their vehicles. This simple action can prevent severe injuries and fatalities.
A National Problem on Roads and Highways
Roadside crashes are a national concern across all roads and highways. The enactment of this law, unfortunately necessary, is crucial. From 2015 to 2020, 5,226 roadside crashes occurred involving various parties:
- Law enforcement (42%)
- Construction, maintenance, or utility workers (40%)
- Fire or ambulance (10%)
- Towing vehicles (4%)
- Other vehicles (4%)
Statistics reveal the grim reality: one tow truck driver loses their life every six days, one law enforcement officer and 23 highway workers perish monthly, and five firefighters die each year in these tragic incidents.
Move Over and Slow Down to Save Lives!
Whether a vehicle has flashing lights or not, drivers must move over one lane and reduce their speed when passing by a stopped vehicle on the side of the road. Ignoring this law can have disastrous consequences. In the United States, a tow truck driver is killed every six days because some motorists fail to follow this simple rule. Additionally, every month, at least one law enforcement officer and 23 highway workers lose their lives in similar accidents. Every year, five firefighters also fall victim to careless drivers. These shocking statistics don’t even include the countless average people who are hit while pulled over.
Whether in a construction zone or passing by disabled vehicles, stay alert and remember to move over and slow down for any stopped vehicle on the road. It could be a matter of life or death. Failure to comply with this law can lead to tragedy. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed due to another driver’s failure to Move Over, don’t hesitate to contact the attorneys at Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault for help.
Don’t Ignore Injuries Caused by Failure to Move Over
If you’ve been injured due to a driver’s failure to move over, seek legal advice. Negligent drivers breaking the Move Over law can be held responsible for their injuries. A lawsuit could help cover medical expenses, therapy, disabilities, and lost income. Remember, receiving compensation from a third party won’t affect your workers’ compensation if you were hurt on the job. Ohio’s Move Over law protects those with hazards or emergency lights on, holding accountable those who ignore them and cause harm or damage.
Your Local Injury Lawyers
Don’t let negligent drivers deny your rights to compensation. Our Ohio car accident attorneys will hold them accountable and fight for the financial settlement you deserve. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame. Still, our team knows how to build strong cases and negotiate with them on your behalf—Trust Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault Toledo, personal injury attorneys, to get the results you need after a car accident.
Call Your Toledo car accident lawyers at 419-843-6663 to get started, or use our easy online contact form today.
If you reside in or around any of the areas we serve in Ohio and Michigan – Maumee, Defiance, Fremont, Findlay, Lima, Mansfield, Toledo, and Monroe – and are searching for the “best car accident lawyer near me,” you can count on having the best lawyer for car accidents from Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault to represent you in a personal injury or wrongful death case. With a local Toledo personal injury attorney near you, help is just a phone call away.
Kevin Boissoneault, is the President and Managing Partner of GT&B. He began his career at GT&B in 1992 and has built the Personal Injury section into one of the strongest and most successful firms in the region. His hard work and dedication as a compelling trial attorney and litigator has won many verdicts and settlements for his clients and their families. Kevin’s commitment to protecting those who have been injured through accident or negligence has brought justice for thousands of clients.