In an effort to keep Indiana roadways safer, the Indiana State Police and The Indiana Department of Transportation are raising awareness for the state’s “Move Over Law,” which requires motorists to approach cautiously, slow down, and move over when an emergency vehicle is stopped on a roadway with emergency lights flashing. To get the word out, ISP and INDOT will hold the “Move Over, Slow Down” traffic safety blitz on Northwest Indiana highways and interstates, with troopers cracking down on drivers who don’t follow the “Move Over” law. The safety blitz will begin Monday, October 12 through Friday, October 16. INDOT has a new video on the INDOT YouTube channel about the Move Over law https://youtu.be/U7enyx7RPF0 .
The “Move Over” law requires drivers to change lanes away from emergency vehicles, if you can do so safely. If not, drivers should reduce their speed 10 mph under the posted speed limit and proceed with caution. Motorists should not stop in the roadway, as this may cause a chain reaction rear end collision with other vehicles. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or even jail time. The “Move Over” law applies to these vehicles:
• Police vehicles
• Ambulances
• Fire trucks and rescue equipment
• Highway incident-response vehicles
• Highway maintenance vehicles
• Utility service vehicles
• Tow Trucks
ISP says the safety blitz will focus on drivers who don’t follow the “Move Over” law near INDOT’s Hoosier Helpers traffic incident response vehicles sponsored by State Farm which patrol Indiana interstates. The blitz is meant to send a strong message to drivers that safety should always be a number one priority.
Every year, first responders across the country are injured or killed on the job while providing emergency services to motorists along America’s highways. The “Move Over” law aims to increase safety for police, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck drivers, and all roadside emergency and maintenance professionals.
