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.
