Law enforcement officials know that Move Over laws outline how motorists should respond when confronted by emergency vehicles that are traveling in the same direction and displaying flashing lights. Law enforcement officials also know that, in most states, these situations require that the driver vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle if it is safe and possible to do so; slow to a speed safe for weather, road, and traffic conditions; or slow to a fixed speed below the limit as defined by local law.1
These basics about Move Over laws are well-known by law enforcement; however, the general public’s lack of awareness regarding such legislation has exposed a great vulnerability in officer safety. In response to this risk, and in the wake of numerous traffic-related deaths of first responders, U.S. law enforcement agencies, led by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), have begun a nationwide campaign to increase public education regarding Move Over laws.
