Tag: sdmo

Did you know that there is a law in New York State (and many other states) that requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane for emergency vehicles? This law became effective January 1, 2012 for New York. It states that drivers must use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle that displays red and/or white emergency lighting or a hazard vehicle that displays amber warning lights:

• On all roads and highways, drivers MUST reduce speed;
• On parkways, interstates, and other controlled access highways with multiple lanes, drivers MUST move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle, UNLESS traffic or other hazards exist to prevent doing so safely.

The vehicles covered by this law are:

• Police Vehicles
• Fire Trucks
• Ambulances
• Tow Services
• Maintenance Vehicles

The law was just expanded by Governor Cuomo this year, to include Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance workers displaying blue or green lights that are stopped on the side of the road.

Violations of this law are punishable as a moving violation. This ticket can cost you $275 and 3 points on your license.

Maybe you feel that moving over is an inconvenience. Let’s put it into perspective from a tow operator’s point of view. You’ve been called to the scene of a broke down vehicle. The vehicle is just over the white line. This seems safe, right? Well, once the tow truck is backed up to the vehicle, the tow truck operator has to get out of his truck and hook up the vehicle. While he’s doing this, cars are zooming past…so close that depending on the size of the vehicle, the tow operator can feel the current of air whiz by him. Add to this blinding snow in the winter or pouring rain and you have a not so fun work environment. Not only are you getting soaked, but you are trying not to get hit by a passing vehicle while doing your job.

To put it into layman’s terms, the roadside to a tow operator is their office space. How would you like a car driving through your office?

Put yourself in their shoes…whether it’s a tow operator, police man or emergency worker…and remember..they have families at home praying for their safe return.

Please drive safely.