INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — For the month of January, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) is commemorating “Move Over” month by reminding all motorists to “Move Over, Florida!” for emergency and service vehicles stopped along the roadway.
Move Over violations result in more than 100 crashes per year on Florida roadways, putting motorists and those who work along the roadways at risk. In 2014, there were at least 161 crashes from motorists failing to move over, resulting in at least 120 injuries and in a single accident, the death of Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Chelsea Richard, tow truck driver John Duggan and motorist George Phillips.
From 2012 to 2014, crashes increased 41 percent and citations increased 68 percent for motorists failing to move over. In addition to endangering law enforcement, first responders, public servants and other motorists, failing to move over can result in fines and points on a driving record.
“The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles stresses to each driver the importance of complying with the Move Over Act,” said DHSMV Executive Director Terry L. Rhodes. “Move Over, Florida! The simple act of moving over for law enforcement, emergency first responders and other stopped or disabled vehicles gives these public servants adequate space to do their jobs and can greatly increase safety on Florida’s roadways.”
The Move Over Act was enacted in 2002 to help protect law enforcement officers, emergency workers and other public servants when they are performing their duties along the roadside.
State law requires vehicles to move over a lane for emergency vehicles, sanitation vehicles, utility service vehicles or wreckers. If a driver cannot move over, they should slow down 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
“Almost every state trooper has a story of a vehicle coming too close or even striking them as they were providing services to motorists on the side of the road,” said Colonel Gene Spaulding, Director of the Florida Highway Patrol. “The Move Over Act is about providing a safe work environment for everyone who patrols or delivers critical services along the roadway.”
To comply with the Move Over Act drivers must:
Multi-Lane Roadway:
• Vacate the lane closest to the stationary emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle or wrecker and always signal the intention to change lanes.
• Slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit if a driver cannot move over safely.
• Be prepared to allow those who are attempting to move over into the next lane.
Two-Lane Roadway:
• Slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
• Travel at 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or less.
“The Florida Sheriffs Association, representing all 67 Florida Sheriffs’ Offices, is honored to endorse and support the Move Over, Florida! campaign,” said Florida Sheriffs Association President Sheriff Sadie Darnell. “This law passed by the Florida Legislature during the 2002 Session protects our law enforcement officers and other first responders, while they are protecting the citizens we serve.”
“Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect Florida residents and guests,” said Winter Park Chief of Police Brett Railey, President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association. “Drivers can help keep them safe by moving over when they see a law enforcement vehicle pulled over on the side of the road. Changing lanes could save lives.”
Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jim Boxold said, “With nearly 20 million residents and a record number of tourists coming to our state, the department is proud to partner with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to remind drivers to move over and slow down when they approach a service vehicle on the road. This helps us protect Florida’s first responders and keep our roadways safe for all users.”
Move Over, Florida! It’s not just the safe thing to do, it’s the law.