Rhode Island steps up 'Move Over' law awareness
“Don’t be That Driver” is the theme of Work Zone Awareness Month this year. By "That Driver," the Rhode Island State Police and the R.I. Department of Transportation are referring to people who injure a construction worker, law enforcement officer or first responder by failing to move over for construction or emergency vehicles.
The "Move Over" law, passed in 2014, requires drivers to change lanes and slow down to help provide a safe work zone for those who make their living within inches of passing traffic. The fine for failing to move over is $85.
So far in April, the awareness month, state troopers have issued 125 citations for violations of "conditions requiring reduced speed/move-over law." Enforcement will not stop at the end of April, a news release from Col. Steven G. O’Donnell, superintendent of the state police, and DOT Director Peter Alviti Jr. said Wednesday.
Since 2010, they said, 24 municipal police officers and 10 state troopers have been struck by drivers. In all, 77 municipal police and 63 state police cruisers were hit. Being hit by a moving vehicle is the third leading cause of death for on-duty law enforcement officers nationwide, according to FBI statistics.
Describing emergency and construction workers as "people who are just trying to do their jobs," O’Donnell urged drivers to be especially careful around them. "When their work day is done, we want them to be able to go home to their families."
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