Many unaware of 'move over' law

8 Jul 2010 | Chevron Staff Marine Corps Training and Education Command

Five California Highway Patrol officers were killed by wayward vehicles during traffic incidents in June.

Police and first responders die each year on the side of highways, but there are ways to minimize their level of danger.

The Move Over/Slow Down law was established in California in 2007 and is in affect in 46 states. The law requires a person driving a vehicle on a freeway to safely make a lane change, or slow to a reasonable speed when approaching in a lane immediately adjacent to a police car, an emergency vehicle that displays emergency lights, or a stationary tow truck that displays flashing amber warning lights.

According to a national poll sponsored by the National Safety Commission, 71 percent of Americans have not heard of “Move Over” laws; and 90 percent believe traffic stops and roadside emergencies are dangerous for law enforcement and first responders.

Although breaking this law is considered an infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $50 in California, the potential loss of life is much more severe.

More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by vehicles along America's highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Those stopping to offer help as well as stranded motorists should also exercise caution when stopping along highways. If a flat tire, mechanical breakdown, or empty fuel tank forces the motorist to stop driving, the most important thing is to take actions that ensure one’s safety. Consumer Reports recommends pulling the vehicle as far off the road as safely possible. Walk to another location if your vehicle is in or near traffic and you can safely exit the vehicle. If the vehicle is parked on the shoulder of a busy highway, passengers should exit on the passenger side, lock the door and leave a note on the windshield in case roadside assistance or the police stop by the vehicle.

At the minimum, hazard lights should be turned on as soon as the motorist realizes that his vehicle is slowing down. Once stopped, it’s recommend using warning signals such as flares, hazard triangle, or warning lights to alert other motorists of the vehicle's presence. Warning devices should be placed as far behind the car as practical to give other motorists as much notice as possible.

Motorists requiring police help should raise the hood or tie a white cloth to the radio antenna or door handle, or hang the cloth out of the top of the door and close it on the cloth.

The CHP recommends to always use good judgment when accepting help from strangers. If someone suspicious stops, drivers should lower the window only enough to talk. If the motorist needs help, they should ask the stranger to call the police.


Marine Corps Training and Education Command