A total of 170 crashes occurred in Florida in 2022 due to motorists who failed to move over for stopped emergency and service vehicles.
During the month of January, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, its division of the Florida Highway Patrol, and multiple partners are launching the “Move Over” safety campaign to remind all motorists of the state’s Move Over Law.
“While most drivers understand to pull over for emergency vehicles approaching from behind, state law also requires vehicles to move over a lane for certain emergency and service vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down if they cannot safely move over,” stated FLHSMV in a media release.
In addition to the numerous crashes that occurred in 2022 as a result of drivers failing to move over for stopped emergency and service vehicles, a total of 14,130 citations were also issued to drivers who failed to comply with the Move Over Law. FLHSMV stated that most of those citations were issued to drivers between the ages of 20 and 50.
“Moving over benefits everyone,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Protect not only emergency, utility, and sanitation vehicles but also your family and loved ones by keeping your eyes on the road and moving over when you see a vehicle, including a disabled vehicle, on the side of the road.”
Kerner added that those who are unable to move over should decrease their speed to 20 miles an hour and pass cautiously.
Throughout the month of January, FHP troopers will continue to educate the public, including individuals who are not complying with the Move Over Law as well as other motorists that they come into contact with.
Troopers are encouraging the public to report aggressive or dangerous drivers by dialing *FHP (*347).
FHP Colonel Gary Howze emphasized that the Move Over Law protects all of the state’s residents and visitors. “In addition to providing public service professionals the space they need to deliver critical services; it provides safety to our residents and their guests should they experience difficulties with their vehicle.”
All 50 states have Move Over laws, and Florida’s Move Over Law went into effect in 2022. Initially introduced in 1971, the law required motorists to move or yield right-of-way to emergency vehicles.
The law has since been amended over the years in an effort to make roads safer. In 2014, utility and sanitation vehicles were added. Road and bridge maintenance or construction vehicles displaying warning lights were also included in 2021.
In 2023, the law was expanded (effective January 1, 2024) to include moving over for all disabled vehicles that are stopped on the side of the road with warning/hazard lights displayed.
For more information, visit FLHSMV’s “Move Over, Florida!” webpage, or click here to view their “Move Over Crash and Citation Dashboard.”