Editorial - Nov. 21, 2012: Move over, Indiana drivers » Opinion

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November 21, 2012

Editorial - Nov. 21, 2012: Move over, Indiana drivers

Anonymous The Kokomo Tribune Wed Nov 21, 2012, 12:27 AM EST

The issue: Indiana’s move-over law.

Our view: Keep workers safe; remember to pull over for utility vehicles.

Most motorists already know state law requires them to change lanes when approaching a stopped emergency or state highway vehicle when its emergency lights are flashing.

And if that’s not possible, drivers are required to reduce their speed to safely pass the vehicle.

Two changes were made to the state’s “move-over” law two years ago on July 1.

Service vehicles operated by utilities were added to the list of vehicles requiring motorists to change lanes.

The other addition to the law had to do with speed. If you are unable to safely change lanes to avoid the police car, ambulance, tow truck or other vehicles on the list, you must reduce your speed to 10 mph below the posted limit.

Indiana State Police and the Indiana Department of Transportation also advise people not to come to a stop for these vehicles, as that could result in a chain-reaction collision.

A violation of the move-over law that leads to death, injury or causes damage to equipment can result in a $10,000 fine and a license suspension of up to two years.

Thirty-nine million people will travel by car this holiday week, the AAA auto club says. And as so many head over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house for Thanksgiving dinner, highway safety is of paramount importance.

By following the law and switching lanes or slowing down for emergency and highway workers, you can do more than show some common courtesy.

You can help save lives.

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