GEORGIA TROOPERS STEP UP ENFORCEMENT OF MOVE OVER LAW

State Troopers are stepping up their enforcement of Georgia's Move Over Law.

Enacted in 2003, the law says a driver must move over one lane when passing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the highway, or slow down. Troopers say many South Georgia drivers are not following the law, so they are cracking down. In 2005 nationally 15 officers were struck and killed by passing cars while working outside their patrol cars. South Georgia troopers say it happens too often. Troopers say they do all they can to protect themselves and motorists stopped on the highway, but they say drivers need to follow the move over law.

Troopers and other law enforcement agencies will start working in pairs on patrol, so the second officer can pull over drivers who fail to move over, or slow down. To try to prevent events like this, Troopers say they will step up the enforcement.

The Move Over Law can bring a fine of $500 for a first offense, and it does apply to all emergency vehicles like tow trucks or utility workers.