The open road can sometimes be a battleground filled with different types of rogue drivers. Speeders, who recklessly surpass the speed limit by doing 100 mph or more, and multi-lane changers who think they’re competing in a Formula 1 race, pose a significant danger. Left-lane campers, who stubbornly refuse to move over on highways, often cause traffic congestion. Tailgaters, those drivers who dangerously follow too closely behind others, are another nuisance on the road. While these offenses are committed by a small minority of drivers, there is a bad trait that seems to afflict almost everyone: the failure to observe Move Over laws.
Move Over laws exist in every state and require drivers to move over a lane to provide a safe space for roadside workers such as police officers, tow providers, firefighters, or emergency medical crews. Some states even extend the law to include any vehicle on the shoulder. The rationale behind these laws is clear – when driving at high speeds, the 70 mph difference between a moving car and a stationary object can be fatal if someone unexpectedly steps out. However, despite the existence of these laws, few drivers seem to adhere to them.
One possible explanation for this behavior is widespread ignorance. According to the AAA and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), one-third of Americans are not aware of Move Over laws. Even with public service announcement campaigns run by AAA and state agencies, ignorance cannot explain the non-compliance of the majority of drivers. It seems most drivers know about the laws but choose to ignore them. This lack of consideration for others on the road is disheartening.
Anecdotal evidence of the failure to move over can be seen in the author’s personal experiences. In one instance, the author signaled for a lane change, only for someone to actively block it. The purpose of the lane change was evident, with a trooper on the shoulder with flashing lights. Unfortunately, not a single driver moved over for a patrol car with sequential amber light bars expressly signaling them to move left.
This disregard for Move Over laws puts the lives of roadside workers at risk. According to AAA, 14 tow drivers had already been killed by August of 2021. In a report this year, AAA suggested that road workers’ deaths could be three times higher than reported because they are often labeled as “pedestrians” in police reports. This highlights the urgent need for drivers to prioritize the safety of these workers by moving over or slowing down when passing.
Another related concern is the disregard for speed limits in highway work zones. These areas often have restricted lanes and heavy signage, necessitating caution and reduced speeds. Federal statistics reveal that work zone crashes have resulted in the deaths of 29,493 individuals between 1982 and 2020. In 2020 alone, there was an average of 794 deaths in work zone crashes. With increased speeding in post-pandemic times, it is likely that this number has further increased.
As summer approaches, work zones become more prevalent and drivers are likely to encounter potential dangers on the road. In Washington State alone, there were 10 deaths in work zone crashes in 2020. Extrapolating this number to all 50 states, the previously mentioned statistics regarding work zone fatalities seem plausible. The Washington State Department of Transportation reports that there were 1,228 work zone crashes in the state in 2020, highlighting the need for drivers to exercise caution and adhere to speed limits in these areas.
The Washington State Patrol has been actively enforcing Move Over violations. Over the past five years, they have pulled over 12,547 drivers for failing to move over. However, they admit that it is a challenging violation to enforce, as most violations occur when troopers or other law enforcement officers are already engaged in managing traffic stops or collision scenes. Without a second unit to witness and contact the non-compliant driver, many Move Over violations go unenforced.
Ultimately, it is essential for drivers to be vigilant and attentive on the road. Failing to move over is not only against the law but also demonstrates a lack of concern for the safety of others. AAA advises drivers to remain alert, avoid distractions, and focus on the task of driving while extending the courtesy of giving extra space to roadside workers. By prioritizing the safety of those working on the side of the road, drivers can ensure a safer and more enjoyable summer on the open road.