Maine's "Move Over" Law Facilitates Safety
In attempt to help keep public safety workers safe and eliminate motorists from getting caught in accidents, Maine State Police are promoting Maine’s “Move Over” law.
First introduced in 2001, the “Move Over” law requires drivers to move into the passing lane or slow down when traveling by police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and other vehicles with flashing lights in the breakdown lane. Since 2003, 16 state police cruisers have been struck from behind while parked alongside the road.
Motor vehicle accidents are the number one killer of police officers while on the job, and each time an officer stops a motor vehicle or is at the scene of an accident there is the threat of being hit by a passing motorist. The danger exists on every road in Maine, and the chance of being seriously injured or killed increases as the speed and volume of traffic increases.
The “Move Over” law states that an operator of a vehicle passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using an emergency light shall:
- Pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle
- Pass the emergency vehicle at a careful and reasonable speed
The fine imposed for not obeying the law is a minimum of $311 per violation.
At the Law Offices of Joe Bornstein, we see firsthand the end results of accidents and are happy to help promote Maine’s “Move Over” law. After all, emergency vehicles are working on our behalf in what are often precarious situations, it’s the least we can do to give them room to assist our fellow Mainers.
For more information on Maine’s “Move Over” law please visit:
http://maine.gov/dps/msp/Traffic%20Safety%20Page/move_over.html
