Seeing a stopped police car, highway patrol cruiser, ambulance, fire engine, or rescue vehicle on the side of the road can make you perk up in your seat. Many drivers suddenly become aware of their speed and driving habits, while others may “rubberneck” and take in the citation, crash scene, or other event that’s taking place. But one thing not all drivers do is move over.
In 2006, Tennessee made it illegal for drivers to not change lanes when approaching stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights. In 2011, the law was expanded to include utility vehicles. And in 2017, the law expanded a third time to include ALL vehicles with flashing lights, including those driven by ordinary people. Unfortunately, many people still fail to abide by this law, even when approaching emergency vehicles, despite it being on the books for nearly 14 years.
The Move Over Law is designed to protect people who must step outside of their vehicles for work or emergency-related purposes. Emergency responders, utility workers, and people waiting for help after crashes or breakdowns are extremely vulnerable to being struck by oncoming traffic. Law enforcement agencies are increasingly cracking down on drivers who don’t move over, and failing to do so can result in an expensive ticket.
At Ponce Law, we believe that the Move Over Law is essential for making Tennessee’s highways and interstates safer for everyone. Our Nashville auto accident lawyers are here to help anyone who was injured by a negligent driver, whether it was due to not moving over or violating any other traffic law. Contact us today for a free consultation.