WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – It’s Crash Responder Safety Week, which means patrols along highways have been on high alert.
This year’s theme is “Responder Ahead! Reduce Your Speed as You Proceed.” It’s an effort to remind motorists of the Move Over Law, which requires all drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stopped vehicles, police, emergency responders, and construction crews working along the road.
The initiative this year is partially in response to recent tragedies involving the deaths of two Thruway Authority maintenance employees in 2024.
“State Troopers will be out in force, patrolling statewide to ensure motorists are obeying the law,” said Governor Kathy Hochul.
The New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee recommend these safe driving tips:
- As soon as you see lights, vests, or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe to do so.
- Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles and tow trucks. In 2023, the Move Over Law was expanded, requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes.
- The Move Over Law applies to both sides of the roadway, not just the shoulder on the right.