New York expands Move Over law for drivers

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) – October 19 is National Move Over Day, recognized on the third Saturday of October every year. This year, New York’s Slow Down/Move Over law has expanded to include disabled vehicles that are parked on the shoulder of a controlled access highway or parkway, which will require drivers to exercise caution when approaching a disabled vehicle.

According to AAA analysis of data obtained from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 1,703 people were struck while outside of a disabled vehicle in the United States from 2016-2020, and 37 of those were fatalities that occurred in New York State.

“Safety is what AAA represents, taking care of our members and people on the roadside,” AAA Western and Central New York Fleet Manager Jeremy Harrington said. “We represent the Slow Down, Move Over campaign as we make sure our drivers demonstrate safe habits every time they get behind the wheel. AAA is reminding all drivers to Slow Down, Move Over when they see a roadside incident.”

AAA offers the following tips when motorists spot emergency or utility vehicles on the road:

• Always remain alert: Avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
• Watch the road: Look for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
• Approach with caution: When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing on the side of a two-lane roadway, drivers should slow down to a speed that is safe and approach with caution unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene.
• Move Over: On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane.
• Go Slow: If you are unable to switch lanes, slow to a speed that is safe and reasonable. Some states recommend slowing to a speed that is 10-20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

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