Community Bulletin
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Disabled cars with hazard lights on are covered by West Virginia’s Move Over law, along with emergency vehicles. The state’s Governor’s Highway Safety Program is highlighting that protection ahead of Move Over Day on Saturday, October 17.
In a release from the West Virginia Department of Transportation, the program explained what drivers should do. If another lane is available and the move is safe, they should change lanes to leave a lane between themselves and the stopped vehicle. Otherwise, they should slow to a reasonable, safe speed.
That guidance applies to vehicles stopped on or beside the road with flashing or hazard lights, flares or retroreflective warning signs. The program also cautioned drivers to watch surrounding traffic as they slow down or change lanes.
The release lists police, emergency medical and fire vehicles among those covered, along with highway maintenance and construction vehicles, utility trucks, trash collection vehicles and disabled passenger cars.
“Remember: The next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road, Move Over. It’s the Law, and it saves lives,” Governor’s Highway Safety Program Director Jack McNeely said in the release.
Every state requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights, according to the release. West Virginia is among 19 states, plus Washington, D.C., whose laws specifically cover all vehicles with flashing or hazard lights.
Drivers who violate Move Over laws face fines and, in some cases, jail time, the program said. The full text of West Virginia’s Move Over law is on the Legislature’s website.
For more information, readers can visit the program’s highway safety website or call 304-926-2509.
