Benefits of Move Over Laws
May 10, 2019According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), workers who suffer fatal injuries due to struck-by car accidents comprise seven percent of all fatal occupational incidents. This involves drivers speeding in close proximity to stationary emergency vehicles, ultimately leading to an accident. Move Over laws require vehicles to move into another lane when a stationary emergency vehicle is present. In Maryland, law enforcement officials have already seen positive changes since the state implemented stricter Move Over laws. Ultimately, these positive changes lead to fewer citations and warnings.
According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), Maryland requires drivers to change lanes when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle using flashing lights. Emergency vehicles include law enforcement vehicles, municipal vehicles, or service vehicles, such as tow trucks. If traffic is blocking adjacent lanes, drivers are required to slow their vehicle to a speed considerably lower than the posted speed limit to protect stationary vehicles.
Although Maryland’s current laws require drivers to move over for fire department vehicles, medical rescue trucks, and tow trucks, these requirements are relatively new. In fact, drivers were not required to change lanes for these vehicles until 2014, when the law was expanded. In October 2018, the law was once again expanded, and requires drivers to move over for utility and transportation services when the vehicles use their flashing lights.
Penalties
Those who decide to break the Move Over law face considerable consequences, including a $110 fine and one point on their driver’s license. For those who cause a crash, consequences include a $150 fine and three points on their driver’s license. If one’s actions lead to serious injury or death, the consequences include three points on their driver’s license and a $750 fine. Complying with Move Over laws prevent injury and death.
Saving Lives
These important safety laws are saving lives, especially in the law enforcement community. According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) statistics, one major cause of law enforcement deaths is struck-by incidents. Therefore, it is crucial to enforce laws that require drivers to slow down when approaching patrol cars. According to state police troopers, Maryland is already seeing positive change and law enforcement agents are expecting a decline of citations and warnings each year.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Advocate for Struck-By Car Accident Victims
If you or someone you know was seriously injured in a car accident, please consider contacting a Baltimore car accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. We will hold the negligent party responsible for your injuries and obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us at 800-547-4LAW (4529) for a free consultation today.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Prince George’s County, Queen Anne’s County, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.