Are You Familiar with Indiana’s Move Over Law?
If you answered no, now would be a good time to review the state statute that explains what your legal obligations are under the law as Indiana State Troopers will be conducting a state-wide patrol targeting those who violate it.
The Move Over law is nothing new to many drivers all across the U.S. While many have heard of it and are somewhat familiar with what it requires drivers to do, there are still plenty who fail to abide by it which results in lives being put at risk. Now, because Indiana State Troopers are looking to crack down on violators of the Move Over law beginning Sunday, July 22nd, it is important that you familiarize yourself with the statute so you can comply and contribute to making the roadway safer for everyone [Source: WRBI Radio].
What is the state statute that defines the Move Over law?
Indiana state statute 9-21-8-35 states:
- If you approach a stationary authorized emergency vehicle that is giving a signal by displaying flashing red, red and white, or red and blue lights, you must do the following:
- Proceed with due caution, yield the right-of-way by moving over to another lane that is not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle, and do so with regard to safety and traffic conditions given the roadway has at least four lanes but not less than two lanes.
- Reduce the speed of your vehicle to at least 10 miles per hour or less than the posted speed limit while still maintaining a safe speed for road conditions if you are unable to change lanes because it is impossible or unsafe for you to do so.
To be clear, an emergency vehicle can be any of the following:
- Police cars
- Ambulances
- Fire trucks
- Rescue equipment
- Highway maintenance
- Utility service vehicles
- Tow trucks
As mentioned, the project will begin July 22nd and will run through July 28th. It will include all roadways within the State of Indiana so that no areas are excluded. According to ISP Jasper Post Commander Lieutenant Jason Allen, extra patrols will be out during this time targeting drivers who are violating Indiana’s Move Over law. He stated, “Our aim is to educate motorists about Indiana’s Move Over law and to ensure a safe working space for all emergency vehicles.”
Each year, thousands of accidents occur on our roadways, some caused by drivers who fail to move over. When an emergency vehicle is pulled over to the side of the roadway assisting another driver, they are only a few inches away from drivers who may be traveling at 70 or 80 mph. and with one wrong maneuver, that vehicle could wind up hitting the back of the emergency response vehicle, leaving those pulled over severely injured or worse, dead.
Therefore, as a reminder, we encourage you to always be cognizant when you approach an emergency vehicle and move over if you can do so in a safe manner.
Now, if you have been involved in a car accident recently in Gary or Hammond, IN because another driver failed to abide by one or more of Indiana’s traffic laws, contact us here at Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC. The truth is, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the damage done to your vehicle along with the injuries you and/or your passengers sustained. If you are interested in learning more about how much your accident may be worth, call us now at 855-442-7211 and schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable Gary, IN car accident attorneys.
You can also visit Marshall P. Whalley & Associates, PC at:
51 W. 112th Avenue
Crown Point, IN 46307
Phone-219-769-2900
Fax- 219-769-2995
