RALEIGH, N.C. — A national campaign aimed at keeping first responders safe is underway until Sunday.
The initiative is meant to raise awareness about the “Move Over” law, which is on the books in all 50 states. Drivers are supposed to move over safely to the farthest lane when approaching an emergency service vehicle stopped on the roadside, such as law enforcement or EMS. And if that’s not possible, the law says drivers need to slow down.
National “Move Over” campaign reminds people to change lanes when approaching a stopped law enforcement or emergency services vehicle
”Move Over” law matters on all roads, but state troopers are at higher risk because of dangerous work they do on the interstates
If a driver can’t safely move over to the farthest lane, they must slow down; violating the “Move Over” law can result in a $250 fine
State troopers are at an increased risk because of the difficult and dangerous work they do on the highways.
Sgt. Marcus Bethea, who has been in law enforcement for 20 years, is with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. He says he loves his job, even though it can dangerous.
“I personally have been in situations where I’ve stopped a vehicle and exited my patrol vehicle and swiftly been passed by a vehicle that did not move over for me. It’s not a good feeling,” Bethea said.“I personally have been in situations where I’ve stopped a vehicle and exited my patrol vehicle and swiftly been passed by a vehicle that did not move over for me. It’s not a good feeling,” Bethea said. “And with that comes the decision-making process for the officer, why did I stop the original vehicle that I stopped? Now I have this vehicle illegally pass me without moving over, should I go after them? Should I pursue them? Or should I stay with this vehicle that I already stopped?”
When motorists are driving during severe weather conditions, it’s especially important to stay alert and vigilant on the roadways.
“Usually with bad weather comes more calls for service, which means you’ll see a greater presence of law enforcement and emergency responders out on the highways,” Bethea said. “Be very careful when approaching a collision scene or when approaching a stopped emergency vehicle, especially if weather conditions are not the greatest.”
The “Move Over” law hits close to home for the law enforcement community in Wake County.
“We had a terrible incident here in Wake County last year where a Knightdale police officer was killed essentially from a failure of a vehicle to move over, which resulted in death of Knightdale police officer,” he said, referring to the death of Ryan Hayworth.
Bethea hopes the “Move Over” campaign reminds drivers in North Carolina and across the U.S. to take care of the first responders, who put their lives on the line every day.
“Please do your part. Be vigilant,” Bethea said. “And help us to be out here to serve you and make sure everyone can travel on the highways as safely as possible.”
There is a $250 fine for violating the “Move Over” law. Bethea’s tips for driving in dangerous weather conditions include driving slowly, anticipating delays, giving extra distance and moving over for stopped emergency vehicles.