Public Safety: Drivers Be Aware

Move Over Law

By Lisa M. Grisham

Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services would like to make drivers aware of the Move Over Law. Recent events, such as the incident in which a local tow truck driver was struck and killed during a response call on I-575 last October, are grim reminders that emergency and utility personnel have dangerous jobs when attending to the community. Traffic crashes kill more emergency workers in the line of duty than anything else — even though the emergency vehicles have brightly flashing lights.

The Move Over Law was passed by the Georgia State Legislature and was originally called the Spencer Pass Law, named after the 47-year-old gospel singer who lost his life while helping a motorist on I-85 in 2011. Spencer Pass’s death is one of many that could have been avoided if a little extra caution had been exercised.

The Move Over Law is a crucial safety measure designed to protect emergency responders and highway workers. This law requires drivers to move over to the next lane when they see emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or highway workers on the side of the road. If there isn’t a lane available, drivers must slow down to a safe speed, usually 20 mph below the posted speed limit. The law varies by state, but it applies to emergency vehicles such as police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances, as well as tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.

In Georgia, the law states that motorists traveling in the lane adjacent to the shoulder must move over a lane when operators of emergency and utility vehicles acting in their official capacities are stationary on the side of the highway (O.C.G.A.40-6-16). The Governor’s Highway Safety Office in Georgia notes that while the Move Over Law violation can result in a maximum fine of $500, the true cost of violating this statute is far more significant. One could face additional criminal charges for reckless driving, and those charges will be more serious if a worker is struck and seriously injured or killed. By following the law, drivers can help prevent accidents and keep these workers safe.

To follow the Move Over Law, drivers must remain vigilant. They should always be on the lookout for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway workers on the side of the road. Cherokee County Fire & Emergency Services urges everyone to always be aware of their surroundings and follow the Move Over Law to keep our roads safe for everyone. Please move over or slow down when you see emergency vehicles or highway workers on the side of the road — help them while they are helping you.

For more information about the Move Over Law, visit GaHighwaySafety.org.