By Caltrans
Contributed
This month marks the 10th anniversary of California’s “Move Over” law expanding to include Caltrans vehicles, and Saturday, Oct. 19 was National Move Over Day. Caltrans wants this milestone to serve as a reminder of just how important it is for motorists to follow motor vehicle safety laws.
California’s Move Over law requires all drivers to move over a lane or — if they are unable to do that safely — slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles, law enforcement and emergency vehicles, and tow trucks.
“Every year, highway workers, law enforcement officers, emergency personnel, and tow truck drivers are killed or injured along California’s roadways,” said Acting Caltrans Director Bob Franzoia. “Californians can help keep workers safe by slowing down in work zones, complying with the ‘Move Over’ law and always being work zone alert.”
Although all 50 states have enacted Move Over laws, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that 71% of Americans have not heard of them. In California, failure to obey the Move Over Law can result in fines up $1,000, plus points on your driving record.
“It only takes a split second of inattention to destroy lives at a work zone,” CHP Commissioner Warren Stanley said. “Motorists must give all workers a safe place along the side of California’s roads.”
For more information about the campaign, visit http://beworkzonealert.com/move-over.html.
