Credit: PA Internet News Service
Pennsylvania law will be changing as the current “Steer Clear Law” becomes the updated “Move Over Law.”
The law, which was signed by Gov. Tom Wolf last October, will make changes to the existing law that enacted in 2001.
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AAA Mid-Atlantic broke down the changes that go into effect on Tuesday:
- Provide that in an emergency response area along a road where there is an emergency response vehicle/operator (i.e. an EMS, police officer, tow truck driver, etc.), the motorist must move over into the left lane. If it is impossible for the motorist to move into the left lane, then the motorist is permitted to stay in the right lane, or in a lane adjacent to the emergency response area, but must reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
- Allow a disabled vehicle, defined as, “a vehicle that is in a traffic lane or on the side of a traffic lane and the motorists is clearly marked with at least two of three markings (hazard lights, caution signs, or road flares),” to have the same protections as stated above in an emergency response situation, provided that the motorist with a disabled vehicle use two of the three following items: hazard lights, caution signs, or road flares.
- Imposes two points for failure to merge into the lane not next to the emergency response area.
- Set fines at $500 for first-time offenders, $1,000 for a second offense, and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense.
- Require a 90-day license suspension for a third or subsequent offense. The license suspension will also apply to accidents that seriously harm or kill another person.
- Set additional fines of up to $10,000 for violators who injure or kill an emergency service responder or an individual in or near a disabled vehicle.
- Double fines for several traffic violations when committed in an emergency response area when first responders are present.
“Last year, 55 state police vehicles were struck at traffic stops, disabled motorists, or crash scenes. The goal of the Move Over Law is to prevent these dangerous situations,” said state police Lt. Col. Scott Price.
The change comes during National Work Zone Awareness Week, which was marked Monday during an event with the Pennsylvania State Police, PennDOT, and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission.
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PennDOT data showed there were 1,412 work zone crashes, resulting in 15 fatalities in 2020. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 89 workers in the line of duty, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1940.
“Emergency responders and roadside workers put themselves at risk every day to help people who are in need of emergency assistance or whose vehicles are broken down,” said Jana Tidwell, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.
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PennDOT Acting Executive Deputy Secretary Melissa Batula said: “Work zones may be a temporary inconvenience, but these workers all deserve to get home safely. Please slow down and never drive distracted, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.”
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