(WTXL) - January has been declared "Move Over" month in Florida to remind passing motorists of the law requiring them to slow down or move over.
The law requires passing motorists to give adequate space to law enforcement, tow truck drivers, utility service vehicles and other first responders that are stopped on the side of the road.
"This law is in place to protect the ones who protect us," said Montrae Waiters, a spokesperson for AAA - The Auto Club Group. "Not focusing on the road puts your life and others at risk."
Motorists who violate the "Move Over" law could be issued a ticket that could result in a fine and three points on their driver’s license.
There were 204 crashes and 68 injuries reported as a result of a motorists failing to move over in 2016, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV).
Law enforcement officials issued more than 5,000 citations to drivers who failed to move over.
- AAA recommends the following driving tips while driving on Florida’s roadways:
- Use common sense: Watch for situations where emergency vehicles, tow vehicles, sanitation and utility service vehicles are pulled off on the side of the road.
- Two-Lane Roadway: When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, you MUST slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit and approach with caution, unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene.
- Multi-Lane Roadway: Slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the roadside, and - if you can - move over into an adjacent lane. If you cannot change lanes, reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to changes in traffic patterns and speed limits.
- Be Courteous: Look out for motorists stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance.
- Don’t Drive Distracted: Anything that takes your mind off the task of driving is a distraction. Put it down.No text or call is worth a life.
By following these simple rules, we are giving law enforcement officials and other emergency personnel space to do their jobs while saving lives.
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