Our Opinion: Expansion of ‘move over’ law deserves signature

News Tribune editorial

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

An expansion of the Missouri’s “move over” law deserves to be signed by Gov. Jay Nixon.

In this forum during February, we encouraged lawmakers to approve a measure extending the application of the law to Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) vehicles.

During the session that ended last week, legislators approved the expansion, which now awaits action by the governor.

If signed, the move-over requirement would be added to the existing law that requires motorists to change lanes — when safe to do so — and slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, including police cars, fire vehicles, ambulances, tow trucks and utility vehicles.

The enhancement would apply to MoDOT vehicles stopped on roadway shoulders and displaying flashing lights.

It would increase safety for an estimated 2,400 transportation employees who work near roadways on a daily basis.

The risks those workers face are real. This spring, crash cushions mounted on work trucks have been struck six times. And since 2000, four workers have been killed on the job after being struck by vehicles.

“We’re delighted the move over law has passed,” said Beth Wright, MoDOT’s maintenance engineer.

Anecdotal evidence suggests motorists are observing the law. In our travels on Missouri highways, we repeatedly have witnessed drivers changing lanes as they approach emergency vehicles on roadsides.

The reaction shows drivers not only are obeying the law, they are paying attention. The men and women who must work beside busy highways merit the full attention of passing motorists. We urge the governor to sign the enhanced “move over” law.

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Wspahn 1 year ago

Why is this law just for highway workers and police. Are not Doctors, Construction workers Plumbers or anybody else pulled over on the side of the road just as important? How about extending the move over law to people slowing down traffic in the passing lane?

jeffcitygirl 1 year ago

Kind of sad when we have to make laws for things that are just plain old common sense. If there is any car on the side of the road and there is another lane that you can move into, don't you normally move over anyway just to be safe for both vehicles? Then again, people don't even want to merge when they can clearly see a car coming off the entrance ramp onto the highway and they have plenty of room and time to move over, so I guess I answered my own question. I do agree with the previous commenter that it should be law to move over when any vehicle is disabled or otherwise sitting on the shoulder. I know it won't happen but making left lane cruisers get out of the way would be highly appreciated by this driver. I get behind people all the time just cruising alone in the passing lane, not passing anyone, while people pass them on the right, nothing stirs up my road rage more than getting stuck behind one of those id-iots!

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