Roadside Emergencies - Move Over or Slow Down! Gainesville, Fl Accident Lawyer Explains the Law.

Imagine attempting to render aide in an emergency roadside situation with cars flying by at 70 mph 5 feet away and not knowing if the drivers are texting while driving or...?

Recently, the NSC reminded us of the Move Over Act that was passed in Florida in 2002. This important law protects our roadside emergency responders from injuries and death in the line of work. It was estimated that between 1999 and 2009, more than one emergency worker per month was killed while aiding a motorist by the side of the road.

As a local Gainesville, Floriida accident lawyer, I applaud the NSC for their timely safety alert while many Floridians and visitors are on the roadways this summer. This alert and law is of even more importance in this day and age of driving distracted and multitasking behind the wheel. 

Unfortunately, this vital law is one that the majority of drivers (71%) are not aware of despite the growing number of roadside signs and TV campaigns. I urge all Floridians to learn about this crucial law, and to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles-help protect those who help protect us!

The Move Over law is simple all we need to remember is - MOVE OVER for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road and if that is not possible then we must slow down 20 mph under the speed limit!  Emergency vehicles include: police cars, ambulances, fire rescue vehicles, and tow trucks.  However, if we just treat any vehicle with flashing red, blue, or amber lights stopped on the side of the road as an emergency vehicle and move over or slow way down, we are following the law.  This is also a good rule of thumb for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road with engine or tire malfunction.

Allow emergency workers room to do their job, concentrating on the emergency at hand, in a relative zone of safety. It just may save a life and it could be yours or a loved one's.

For more information:

What do I do when an emergency vehicle is in my rear-view mirror with its lights flashing?