GEORGIA STATE SENATOR PROPOSES STRENGTHENING MOVE-OVER LAW

State Sen. Joseph Carter (R-Tifton) introduced Senate Bill 354 today, legislation designed to strengthen Georgia’s Move Over Law to classify as a felony the violation of the move over law if that violation results in the death of another. The current law, OCGA 40-6-16, mandates that drivers move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the highway, and the fine for ignoring the law is $500.

“I want to fortify the law to save lives,” Carter said. “The current law says get out of the way if you can, and we need to enforce this and re-enforce it with the people who drive in this state. Over the years, too many law enforcement officers and emergency personnel have been killed or maimed — and it is incumbent upon us to reinforce state law so that the lives of the men and women who come to the aid of the motoring public and those in need of aid are protected.”

According to FBI statistics, traffic accidents claim the lives of more police personnel than any other cause of death in the line of duty. Last year, according to the FBI, 13 law enforcement officials were struck and killed by passing vehicles while they worked accidents outside their patrol cars.

Reports from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety show that emergency vehicles of all kinds have been struck while parked beside Georgia highways, even when their emergency lights were flashing. The Georgia move over law requires drivers to move over one lane when possible if an emergency vehicle with flashing lights is parked on the shoulder of the highway. However, the law also says that if traffic is too heavy to move over safely, then vehicles should slow down below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop.

“Our goal here is to save lives,” Carter said. “Nothing more.”