TOM MILLER
Marine Corps Detachment
Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

Serving as a state trooper in Missouri for many years, I learned that merely approaching a car during a traffic stop or working roadside while investigating an accident were two of the most dangerous duties we perform. Over the years, I’ve been bumped by a mirror, forced to jump on the hood of my patrol car and run from out-of-control vehicles more times than I’d like to recall.

To reduce the hazard for law enforcement officers and other emergency responders, all but seven states have enacted a “Move Over” law. Typically, the law requires motorists to change lanes and/or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated. While each state statute differs significantly in the specific provisions, they all have two common goals — to provide a buffer area between emergency responders and moving traffic and to reduce the speed of passing vehicles.

Why is this law important to you? Emergency responders working roadside are putting their lives on the line every day to help preserve your life if you are in an accident. Consider that according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in 2005, 390 emergency responders died when other vehicles struck them. Those deaths accounted for 7 percent of all fatal occupational injuries that year.

As well, www.respondersafety.com reports that, on average, each day two emergency responders are struck by passing vehicles. To make matters worse, according to a national poll by Mason Dixon Polling and Research and sponsored by the National Safety Commission, 71 percent of Americans have not heard of Move Over laws.

Fines for violations of the Move Over law vary from state to state. Visitors to the Move Over, America website at www.moveoveramerica.com can click on their home state and check their local laws and fines. Some state fines may be as low as $40, while others charge as much as $500 and include jail time.

Remember, the emergency responders on our highways — be they law enforcement, emergency medical or fire service, or wrecker operators — are performing a service on behalf of you. Give them a break and move over if it is safe to do so. If you cannot move over, slow down. Sure, it may add a minute to your trip, but it could save the life of another. By observing the Move Over law, we can all make the roadways safer and less stressful for everyone.