Police Ask Drivers to 'Move Over' to Save Lives

It's considered a simple courtesy, and a simple way to save lives—and Bridgewater police officers, in connection with state officials, are urging drivers to obey the conditions of a 2009 law concerning emergency vehicles.

In a press conference Friday at the municipal complex, state officials with Bridgewater Mayor Patricia Flannery, gathered to draw attention to the 2009 Move Over state law, signed by former Gov. Jon Corzine on Jan. 27, 2009.

According to Bridgewater Township Police Sgt. Gregory Duane, the bill requires drivers approaching stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks and other highways safety vehicles that are displaying flashing lights to move over one lane or at least slow down to below the posted speed limit if it is not safe to move over.

Although Duane said he is not certain how many summonses have been written in Bridgewater for violating this law, it is a problem needing to be addressed.

"It is an issue not just in Bridgewater, but all over New Jersey," he said. "It happens everyday. South Brunswick police stopped more than 600 violators in one week."

The fine for violating the law is between $100 and $500, but no points are issued, Duane said.

"New Jersey State Troopers have lost their lives by being struck by motorists," said Col. Rick Fuentes, superintendent of the New Jersey State Police, in a release from the New Jersey Department of Transportation. "These tragedies can be prevented if everyone adheres to the law and either gives a cushion of space or slows down."

In addition to the press conference Friday, the NJDOT has posted signs on its displays on state highways, saying, "Slow Down-Move Over-It's the Law" and "Respect & Protect 1st Responders."

"I strongly urge motorists to observe the law and give police, EMS and our NJDOT maintenance workers a full lane-width of space if it's available wherever they encounter first responders and roadway workers," NJDOT Commissioner James Simpson said in the release. "With high volumes of traffic often moving at high rates of speed, that extra space can help save a life."

Duane said New Jersey State Police Trooper Marc Castellano was hit and killed by a vehicle on the side of I-195 in 2010.

"[The law] addresses emergency vehicles that are already stopped on the side of the road," he said. "In the last 10 years, 92 police officers have been struck and killed while on the side of the road."

Duane said there will also be some education about the law, followed by enforcement to ensure that emergency workers remain safe.

"The benefit to emergency workers is that they will not be struck by a vehicle," he said.

Since the enactment of the law, according to a release from the NJDOT, 2,347 summonses have been issued for failing to comply.

Flannery said, in the release, that this law is especially important in Bridgewater where so many major highways meet.

"We are pleased to host this event in Bridgewater, where six high-speed, high-volume state highways converge," she said. "I remind motorists that the law also applies to county and municipal roadways, where our local police and first responders benefit every time a motorist slows down or gives them room."

For more information, visit the website at moveoverlaw.com.