According to the Department of Transportation, over 70% of Americans don’t know what to do when flashing lights and sirens are driving next to them on the roadway. Louisiana Move Over Laws were implemented in 2008 to clearly define what actions a driver is required to take when driving next to or passing by emergency vehicles.
Move Over Laws are important because they protect first responders from other motorists on the roadways as they drive to, work on, and travel from the scene of an accident. The law applies to all law enforcement, emergency vehicles, and first responders.
If an emergency vehicle is approaching, drivers should:
- Yield the right-of-way
- Drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway
- Stop and remain where you are until the emergency vehicle has passed or until otherwise directed by a police officer
If an emergency vehicle is parked on the road, drivers should:
- Yield the right-of-way
- If the road has two or more lanes running in the same direction, change lanes to move your vehicle as far away from the emergency vehicle as possible
- If a lane change is not possible, slow down to a reasonable speed
When Louisiana Move Over Laws were first enacted, drivers were required to slow down to 25 mph when passing a parked emergency vehicle. The legislation has since been changed to allow for a “reasonable speed” to be determined based on each situation. Driving too slow can be a danger for other drivers on the highway, so drivers are expected to slow down, but to also maintain the flow of traffic.
Failure to follow Louisiana’s Move Over Laws puts first responders at risk, and Louisiana law enforcement aggressively tickets violators. Do your part to help keep our first responders safe. When you see an emergency vehicle, either move over or slow down.
Louisiana Car Accident Attorneys
There is no excuse for negligent driving. All drivers are expected to abide by laws that help keep people safe. If a negligent driver injured you in a Lake Charles, Louisiana car accident, you deserve to hold them responsible. Call the car accident attorneys at Hoffoss Devall today for a free consultation to review your case.