“Move Over” to reduce disaster on the roads

A decade old law aims to get drivers to slow down.

The “Move Over Law” requires drivers to move over for vehicles that are stopped, with flashing or rotating lights, on the side of the road. Lieutenant Matt Boyd with the Ohio State Highway Patrol called the law common sense. He said it’s a way to keep people safe who need to stop on the side of the road.

“If it’s a road service vehicle they may be concerned about what’s going on with their job and not think about opening a door or something,” Boyd said. “It’s a preventative measure to make sure everyone’s safe.”

According to the state highway patrol, hundreds of people are killed or injured each year after pulling to the side of the road and then getting struck by oncoming traffic. Boyd said the “Move Over Law” is an easy way to prevent that from happening.

“It just makes sense for them to move over and slow down when they can, if not, slow down, proceed with caution, get passed that scene and then they can pick back up to normal highway speed and proceed on their trip,” Boyd said.

If moving into another lane is not possible due to traffic or road conditions, drivers should slow down to avoid potential disaster. Similar laws exist in all 50 states.