Not Moving Over Causes Car Accidents
Car accidents involving emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the highway
occur far too often. Although Georgia has the "Move-Over Law,"
which mandates that drivers move over when emergency vehicles are stopped
on the shoulder, not all motorists know about the law or follow it.
What is the Move-Over Law?
The Georgia Move-Over Law actually requires drivers to move over one lane
if there is an emergency vehicle flashing its lights and parked on the
shoulder. If traffic is too heavy to change lanes safely, then the law
demands that drivers slow down and be prepared to stop.
The Move-Over Law was passed in the state of Georgia to keep police officers,
paramedics, emergency responders, DOT workers, and emergency technicians
safe while working on the side of the road. Many police officers giving
motorists tickets for traffic violations have also been hit by passing cars.
In addition, Georgia accidents have claimed the lives of emergency responders
assisting broken down vehicles and construction workers working on highway
construction projects. The Move-Over Law will help keep all of these workers
safer while on the side of the road.
It also will reduce the chances for the occurrence of Lawrenceville auto
accidents. However, Georgia state reports show that many different types
of emergency vehicles parked on the side of the road, even with flashing
emergency lights, are still being hit by passing cars.
Not all motorists have been obeying the Move-Over Law, and failure to comply
with the new law could result in the following:
- A fine of up to $500
- Increased chance of an accident
- Possibility of hitting a police officer on the side of the road
- Chance of being involved in a deadly accident
Everyone needs to move over in order to avoid a car accident. If you have
been injured on the side of the road due to someone's negligence and carelessness, please
contact a qualified Atlanta car accident attorney to find out more about your rights.