Tampa Auto Accident Injury Law Firm

January is Move Over Month, and the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles are encouraging all drivers to abide by the state’s Move Over law and move over for emergency and service vehicles stopped along the roadway.  The law was implemented in 2002 to protect law enforcement, emergency responders, tow truck drivers and other public service vehicles when they are stopped and providing assistance on the side of the road.

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The Director of the Florida Highway Patrol has stated: “Moving over allows a safety buffer between your moving vehicle and the stopped vehicle.  If you can’t move over, you must slow down.  It is simply a good habit to move over or slow down for any stopped or disabled vehicle on the side of the highway because it makes our busy roads safer for everyone.”  Violating the Move Over Law puts motorists and our first responders at risk.

To comply with the Move Over Law, and to avoid potential fines and driving record points, Florida drivers must comply with the following:

Multi-Lane Roadway

Drivers must vacate the lane closed to the stationary emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, Road Ranger or wrecker and must always signal the intention to change lanes.

  • Drivers must slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit if the driver cannot move over safely.
  • Drivers who are not in the lane closest to the stationary vehicle should be prepared to allow those who are attempting to move over into the next lane.

Two-Lane Roadway

  • Drivers must slow down to a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
  • If the speed limit is 20 mph or less, drivers must travel at 5 mph.

Unfortunately, in 2017, there were 212 automobile crashes and 17,000 traffic citations issued to motorists for violating the Move Over Law (by failing to move over or slow down).  Florida Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies are encouraging the public to report any aggressive drivers by dialing *FHP (*347).

Capaz Law Firm – Contact an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorneys

If you have been involved in a car crash or truck accident, contact our experienced Tampa personal injury lawyers for a free consultation regarding your legal options.  The car crash attorneys at Capaz Law Firm will handle and investigate your accident claim and will help you to obtain the compensation you deserve.  Call 813-440-2700.