
"The measure would require drivers to slow down and ideally switch lanes when passing utility trucks and disabled vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder, according to a Senate press release. Currently, the Move Over Law only requires drivers to use caution when passing an emergency vehicle with flashing lights. Motorists must slow down and, if the road has two or more lanes going in the same direction, move over one lane away from the emergency vehicle. Violators face a $100 fine for failing to adhere to the law."
"The new proposal also increases fines for first-time violations and imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders. Drivers who repeatedly break the law may be ordered to enroll in a driver education program, state officials said. Lawmakers hope the changes will improve roadside safety and reduce the likelihood of collisions with stopped vehicles. "Anyone who's popped a tire on the side of the road kind of knows that feeling of cars flying by you know your car is shaking really an unsafe position to be in on a busy roadway," state Sen. Brendan Crighton told WBZ. "Hopefully this can change behavior, keep both our drivers safe but also our law enforcement and first responders and our utility workers as well.""
Massachusetts would broaden the Move Over law to require drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes away from utility trucks and disabled vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the shoulder. Current law requires caution and lane changes only for emergency vehicles with flashing lights, with a $100 fine for violations. The proposal raises first-time fines, increases penalties for repeat offenders, and may require repeat violators to enroll in driver education programs. The changes aim to improve roadside safety and reduce collisions with stopped vehicles. The measure will proceed to a Senate committee before House consideration.
Read at Boston.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]