New York’s expanded ‘Move Over’ law timed with National Move Over Day

New York’s “move over” law, expanded late last month, has come into effect just as the nation observed National Move Over Day on the third Saturday of October.

The revised law now mandates drivers to shift lanes or slow down for any vehicle stopped in the road or on its side, a notable change from the previous version which only covered emergency responders, tow trucks, and police vehicles.

Statistics from AAA revealed that between 2016 and 2020, over 1,700 individuals were struck outside their stalled vehicles in the U.S., with 37 fatalities recorded in New York alone. AAA officials anticipate that the expanded law will curb these numbers. Tara Ricard, AAA Hudson Valley marketing manager, emphasized the significance of the law, urging drivers to remain vigilant, especially on highways, and either decelerate or change lanes when spotting stopped vehicles.

To foster road safety, AAA also recommends drivers to stay alert, maintain their focus on the road, and, if unable to switch lanes, reduce their speed to 10 to 20 mph below the speed limit.

Staff Report

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