See red and/or white lights flashing ahead of you? Prepare to slow down and, if possible, switch lanes. That is the message New York State Police have been working to convey since the Ambrose Searles Mover Over Act became state law January 1, 2011 - and now recently expanded as of January 1, 2012.
Named after Trooper Robert Ambrose and Onondaga County Sheriff Deputy Glenn Searles who were killed by passing motorists, one purpose of the Mover Over law is to protect emergency responders from serious injury or death. Also, this law will help keep all motorists on the road safer and will hopefully reduce car accidents involving emergency vehicles in New York.
New York's New Emergency Vehicle Law
Initially, the law was written to apply only to emergency response vehicles with red flashing lights or red and white flashing lights. However, lawmakers have revised the rule to be more inclusive. As of January 1, 2012, the Move Over law now includes responding vehicles with flashing amber lights such as maintenance, construction, HELP and tow trucks.
The law specifically states that drivers must reduce speed on all roads and highways when approaching vehicles displaying red and/or white emergency lights or flashing amber lights. Further, on roads with multiple lanes, drivers must move over into a nonadjacent lane to reduce the danger and risk to those trying to help disabled motorists.
There is a provision that permits drivers to remain in lanes adjacent to responding vehicles: if traffic or other hazards prevent moving over safely, then drivers may remain in their existing lanes. However, violators who refuse to change lanes even when conditions allow may face stiff fines up to $275, court fees, points on driving records and potential jail time. In addition, violators place at risk the very individuals working to keep New York roadways safe.
Police are aggressively pursuing drivers who break the amended Move Over law by strictly enforcing it. According to New York State Police Superintendent Joseph D'Amico, it is high time for strict enforcement. He further stressed, "The men and women who work on our highways perform essential, often life saving, services. It's always been common sense to move over to give them room to do their jobs, and now it's the law."
