Rochester Car Accident Caused after Driver Fails to Obey “Move Over” Law

March 22, 2013

Motorists who fail to obey New York’s “Move Over” law continue to be a problem. The law requires vehicles to clear the lane of traffic nearest an emergency vehicle stopped alongside the road when emergency lights are activated. However, data from the New York State Police shows troopers cited a total of 11,792 drivers last year for breaking this law.

Failure to allow emergency vehicles enough space often results in serious collisions. Just two weeks ago, a law enforcement officer was injured in a Rochester Car Accident caused by a motorist’s failure to obey the Move Over statute. Reports from WMUR 9 News say the crash happened on March 8^th along Pickering Road.

The officer was assisting the scene of another vehicle collision when a 2010 Nissan Sentra driven by a 46-year-old woman suddenly struck his cruiser from behind. The officer was leaning into his vehicle at the time of the collision and was taken to a local trauma center for treatment.

The Rochester Personal Injury Lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices would like to remind motorists to be vigilant of always moving over for emergency vehicles. If there is not another lane, then slow down. If caught breaking the state’s Move Over law, drivers face penalties of up to 15 days in jail, three points on their license, and fines of more than $350.