In New York, traffic is inevitable – just another part of life in the city. But congested roads are more than just an inconvenience. They’re also dangerous when they prevent emergency responders from performing efficiently. When emergency vehicles are prevented from traveling and stopping safely, it puts their workers and their patients at risk.
Police officers, firefighters and EMTs put their bodies on the line every day to keep our city as safe as possible. To help them do their jobs and minimize their risk of injury, New York State law requires that other drivers move over when an emergency vehicle is stopped at the side of the road. Do you know all the vehicles that you should be making room for?
New law protects more emergency responders
According to New York’s "Move Over" law, drivers must move over or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles, police officers, tow trucks and other service vehicles. Lawmakers recently expanded the scope of the law, requiring drivers to move over and slow down for volunteer firefighters and first responders as well as professionals.
In a news conference several weeks ago, lawmakers announced the expansion and gave some context surrounding its importance. They reminded the public of three recent tragedies involving stopped vehicles, which killed three police officers and a tow truck driver. Legislators hope that including volunteer firefighters and EMTs will prevent avoidable injuries and fatalities to emergency responders across the state.
Do you think expanding this law will work? Have you ever felt unsafe because of cars passing by too closely? Tell us your thoughts below, or share this post with a friend.
