<font color="blue"> Incidentally, the newspaper reported that another new law in Texas this year (and probably not known by many) requires drivers to move over a lane away from a police car on the shoulder of the road if possible, and if not possible, then to reduce speed (and I've already forgotten how much, but think it was 25 mph in 55 mph zones).
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Florida passed the same "move over" law. Here's a description:
"There are several important provisions concerning this new law. Effective July 1st, 2002, on interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, as soon as it is safe to do so.
"When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a two-lane roadway with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater; or travel at 5 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.
"During the 5-year period of 1996-2000, motorists in Florida crashed into working law enforcement vehicles that were stopped/parked along Florida roadways 1,793 times, resulting in five deaths and 419 injuries.
"A violation is classified as a moving violation and carries a fine of $60 with three points added to the driver's license record."
The problem, of course, is that when officers are busy at a scene, they usually can't afford the extra personnel to enforce the law. Sooner or later, however, and even though it may be tragic, one or more people are going to have the book thrown at them because they ignored the law and caused injury or dealth. I'm sure that will be highly publicized and will increase awareness of the law.
Regardless of whether your state has the law, it's a good idea to try to follow it. Most truckers have been moving over for years, and a few of the more aware "four wheelers" try to do the same.
Most drivers are so selfish and arrogant, however, that they won't even pull over for emergency vehicles, let alone change a lane. It's especially bad here in Florida, where elderly drivers won't make a lane change unless they plan it a couple of days in advance (and I'm not exxagerating; they actually plan their strategy for getting from Point A to Point B, and won't deviate from it for anything).
Here's a link to a public service announcement that was broadcast: Move Over announcement
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Florida passed the same "move over" law. Here's a description:
"There are several important provisions concerning this new law. Effective July 1st, 2002, on interstate highways or other highways with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a roadway with their emergency lights activated, are required to vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle, as soon as it is safe to do so.
"When approaching a law enforcement or other authorized emergency vehicle parked on a two-lane roadway with their emergency lights activated, and except when otherwise directed by a law enforcement officer, drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or greater; or travel at 5 miles per hour when the posted speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less.
"During the 5-year period of 1996-2000, motorists in Florida crashed into working law enforcement vehicles that were stopped/parked along Florida roadways 1,793 times, resulting in five deaths and 419 injuries.
"A violation is classified as a moving violation and carries a fine of $60 with three points added to the driver's license record."
The problem, of course, is that when officers are busy at a scene, they usually can't afford the extra personnel to enforce the law. Sooner or later, however, and even though it may be tragic, one or more people are going to have the book thrown at them because they ignored the law and caused injury or dealth. I'm sure that will be highly publicized and will increase awareness of the law.
Regardless of whether your state has the law, it's a good idea to try to follow it. Most truckers have been moving over for years, and a few of the more aware "four wheelers" try to do the same.
Most drivers are so selfish and arrogant, however, that they won't even pull over for emergency vehicles, let alone change a lane. It's especially bad here in Florida, where elderly drivers won't make a lane change unless they plan it a couple of days in advance (and I'm not exxagerating; they actually plan their strategy for getting from Point A to Point B, and won't deviate from it for anything).
Here's a link to a public service announcement that was broadcast: Move Over announcement
