Drivers, pay attention.
The Georgia State Patrol and authorities throughout the Southeast are planning to step up enforcement of the so-called “Move Over” law. Under the law the Georgia legislature passed in 2003, motorists must change lanes to give emergency personnel a safe buffer from traffic.
Authorities hope the crackdown, which ends on Friday, increases awareness of the dangers facing emergency officials. Motorists should move over for any stopped emergency vehicle, including police cruisers, ambulances, fire trucks and tow trucks.
“The message for drivers is to be alert while driving and give emergency services workers plenty of room to work,” Col. Bill Hitchens, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Safety, said in a news release.
“If a lane change is not possible, drivers should reduce the speed of their vehicle to below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop,” Hitchens added.
In Georgia, motorists face a $500 fine for not moving over.