Every day on our roadways, emergency responders and public safety personnel put their lives at risk to protect the citizens of the Commonwealth. In an effort to protect them, the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety is joining the Kentucky State Police to promote the message: Move Over. It’s the Law.
“Our vision is to create a safe transportation system for all Kentuckians,” said KOHS Executive Director Bill Bell. “That includes our men and women of law enforcement, emergency services and public safety.”
Digital and radio ads, along with outdoor billboards, will complement the existing “Move Over” signs located on major roadways. Additionally, memorial signs will be placed in all Kentucky welcome centers, naming Transportation Cabinet employees who were killed on the job.
“The goal of our campaign is for motorists to be aware of the “Move Over” law and help prevent tragedies from occurring on the side of the road,” Bell said. “It’s something we owe these dedicated professionals who provide a valuable, and often dangerous, public service.”
Kentucky passed the “Move Over” law in 2003, requiring motorists to move over to the adjacent lane when approaching an emergency vehicle or public safety vehicle. If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, motorists must slow down and use caution. Failure to do so can result in fines, jail time or both.
“Giving responders the space we need allows us to do our job safely and effectively,” KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer said. “We can only do so much to keep ourselves safe on the side of the road, so we ask motorists to please do their part and obey the law.”
Every state has “Move Over” laws. Hawaii was the final state to enact such a law in 2012, but the “Move Over” laws aren’t a new concept. The first “Move Over” law was introduced in South Carolina in 1996 following the death of a paramedic who was struck at a crash scene.
“Imagine trying to work as vehicles fly past you at alarming speeds,” Brewer said. “Think about it the next time you see those flashing lights ahead.”
Bell reminds travelers that when you see those lights, you must slow down and move over: “It’s not optional, it’s the law.”
From the Kentucky State Police and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet