Louisiana: 'Move over' law designed to save lives
In the last decade, 134 police officers have lost their lives after being struck by a vehicle while conducting a traffic stop. Hundreds more have been seriously injured. Every state has “move over” laws. Louisiana is no exception.
LA R.S. 32.125. states…”When any vehicle making use of any visual signals as authorized by law, including the display of alternately flashing warning lights, is parked on or near the highway, the driver of every other vehicle shall:
(1) When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change. If a lane change is not possible, the driver shall slow to a reasonably safe speed.
(2) Maintain a safe speed for road conditions, if unable or unsafe to change lanes, or driving on a two-lane road or highway."
St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s deputies conduct hundreds of traffic stops each month. In many cases, verbal warnings are issued. In some, citations are issued. In every traffic stop, however, there is a great risk associated with the lawful enforcement of traffic statutes. Deputies always have personal interaction with the motorist, to explain the violation and determine if a verbal warning or a citation is in order. During most of that time, the deputy is standing outside of his patrol vehicle. Passing vehicles often completely ignore the “move over” law and pass at full speed within inches of the deputy. It’s a dangerous position to be in.
Our patrol deputies face grave danger every day in some form or another. Traffic code enforcement is a matter of public safety and we perform that duty with professional courtesy. The “move over” law is designed to minimize at least one aspect of the danger our officers face. Even if the law didn’t exist, one would think that a passing motorist would slow down or move over or both, just out of common sense and respect for human life, but these days many drivers seem to be quite uncaring about others.
During this Christmas season, a time of year when the roads are busier and folks are in a hurry, I ask that the citizens of St. Landry Parish make a special effort to get home safely, and to help our deputies get home safe as well.”
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