By: Irma Haldane

We’ve received ample attention in regards to the new Move Over Law in California and decided it would benefit our readers to publish a followup article on the law. According to Caltrans, “the new law, Senate Bill 240 (State Senator Roderick Wright), adds Caltrans vehicles displaying flashing amber warning lights to the list of vehicles for which motorists must slow down and, if safe, move over to a lane not immediately adjacent to the stationary vehicle.”

The goal of the law is to protect Caltrans workers and highway patrol officers from the explicit danger that exists while working on freeways.  This would thus force motorists to move over if a lane exists or a least to slow down when they see warning lights.

According to Caltrans, 174 of its workers have lost their lives since 1924 while in the line of duty.  Today, 45 other states have enacted similar laws requiring motorists to move over or slow down.  Violation is punishable by a maximum fine of $50.

This video was made by a police department in Alabama to show the dangers of the highway.  Please beware that the video is graphic in nature and could be deemed disturbing by some viewers.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mI5kaJR5-Lw[/youtube]

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