LAW OFFICIALS ENFORCING GEORGIA'S MOVE-OVER LAW

Slow down, move over, and save lives. That's the message behind Georgia's Move Over Law and now the Governor's Office of Highway safety is making sure officials enforce this rule even more.The law was put in place to ensure safety of emergency vehicles on the side of the road such as ambulance and tow trucks.

According to Highway safety records, in 2007 alone there were more than 80 officer fatalities nationwide due to drivers not getting over one lane. The majority were crashes of vehicles that were already pulled over, but 6 officers lost their lives while on motor cycles and another 15 were struck by vehicles.

In a written statement from the Medical Center of Central Georgia, they support the law saying, "It's a way of protecting our public servants. Moving over one lane helps save these professionals who put their lives on the line everyday. In an email from Macon Police Chief Mike Burns, he says, "Thankfully we haven't lost an officers in the past for this, but there were 131 citations issued in 2007 for people not obeying the move over law."

Just last week Kendell Soles of Southern Elite Towing says he had a near death experience he'll never forget. Law officials say to ensure their safety, this rule can't be stressed enough.

Also, if your stopped for not moving over, there is up to a $500 penalty for first time offenders. If you get caught again, you may be looking at higher fines or even time in jail.