FLORIDA DRIVERS NOT FOLLOWING 'MOVE OVER' LAW

A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) trooper has been hit by passing drivers four times in the past year. But, other FHP troopers say all of those accidents could have been avoided if drivers understood and followed the "Move Over" law.

The law has been in place for more than five years, and states that drivers need to move out of the lane closest to an emergency vehicle with its lights on. If you can't, or you are only on a two-lane road, the law says you need to slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

The laws were put in place to protect emergency personnel who have stopped to help someone on the side of the road.

"It's an eye opener," said Lt. Bill Leeper, who is with the Florida Highway Patrol. "Almost all traffic law enforcement officers have had near misses, or have been struck, or their vehicle has been struck. So, it keeps it in your mind that it is dangerous along the side of the road."

Dangerous, indeed.

In the past four years, drivers crashing into Trooper Ken Washington's patrol car nearly cost him his life.

"It's a miracle," Leeper said about Washington's near-misses.

In June, the FHP said a driver skidded off the left side of Washington's car and killed a tow truck driver.

But, his latest close-call happened Sunday, when an SUV smashed into the rear of his car while he was helping an elderly man near Beaver Street.

In all four of his accidents, the FHP said it doesn't believe the drivers saw the flashing lights on Washington's car, and they don't believe the drivers were following the "Move Over" law.

Leeper said drivers need to be more careful when their on the roads, in order to keep everyone safe.

Those emergency crews on the side of the road are assisting other people, trying to keep them safe," he said. "So, other motorists must drive carefully to keep them safe."

In Duval County, if you are caught not following the "Move Over" law, you will be given a moving violation ticket that will add three points to your license and cost you $118.50.