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Every state in the nation has move over laws which require motorists to slow down and, when possible, move over if they see flashing lights on the side of the road. The most recent available data shows that of the 47 law enforcement officers killed in traffic-related incidents in 2017, 9 officers were struck and killed outside their vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that traffic-related incidents continue to be one of the leading causes of death among on-duty law enforcement officers.

In 2018, there were 231 move over crashes in Florida. Lee, Collier and Charlotte Counties had a combined total of 11 move over crashes.

In the first three months of 2019, there has been an increase in the number of accidents caused by drivers failing to move over for emergency responders. In Illinois alone, drivers hit 15 state troopers, or vehicles, even though they were stopped along the road with their lights flashing.

Lieutenant Greg Bueno of the Florida Highway Patrol feels the state total number seems low: "Each of us has our own stories where probably we have been hit; I know I have. And each of us has stories, several stories, where we experienced near misses, almost. We know just how dangerous it can become. Because often times, as first responders, we are standing inches to feet from travel lanes."

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) says Florida law requires drivers to move over a lane for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, and tow trucks or wreckers, when you can safely do so.

• If you can’t move over or when on a two-lane road, slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
• Slow down to 5 mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less.

When you fail to move over, you put yourself and others at risk; you could crash into a vehicle or worker.

Violating the move over law will result in a fine, fees, and points on your driving record.  For more information, see section 316.126 of the Florida Statutes.

“It is our responsibility as drivers to always follow the move over law. These dedicated individuals are there for our safety,” said Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “If you or a loved one is injured in an accident, please contact our firm’s experienced legal team. We are available 24/7, and there are no costs or attorney fees unless we make a monetary recovery for you.”

Fort Myers Car Accident Attorney, Cape Coral Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.