California Without "Move Over" Law
Here is South Dakota, when an emergency vehicle is responding with lights and sirens, motorists are required to pull to the side of the road and stop. Many other states have similar laws, but not California (from Firehouse.com).
If motorists in nearly three dozen states see an emergency vehicle on the shoulder with lights flashing, state law requires them to slow down and move to another lane.But there is no "Move Over" law in California and, following the recent deaths of three emergency workers, including a Highway Patrol officer, along state freeways, some safety advocates say it's time to consider a new policy.
...
Though a law won't save everyone, the idea is to give rescue workers a few extra feet of safety. Such legislation is growing in popularity -- gaining passage during the past six years in more than two dozen states.
But not in California, where a bill cleared the state Legislature last year, but Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed it. He cited concerns that forcing drivers to change lanes could pose additional risks in a state where traffic congestion levels are among the worst in the country.
The argument that changing lanes could cause other problems doesn't hold a lot of water. It is a matter of educating the public so that they respond in an appropriate manner.
Do you have an opinion on this issue? Sound off here by adding a comment.
Comments
I do not think you got this story right. Please read it again carefully.
Like motorists in your home state, Californian's are most certainly required to yield to emergency vehicles.
The issue here is not whether motorists are required to yield to emergency vehicles that are trying to pass them (they are), but rather if they are required by law to move over one lane when they come upon a parked emergency vehicle (they are not required to do so by *law*).
A big difference!!!
I have fun reading your blog.
Posted by: Brian at January 13, 2006 03:50 PM
Thanks for straightening me out, Brian. I was out in left field on this one.
This certainly changes the discussion, but I think the poll for this week still is valid.
Thanks for stopping by, reading the blog, and leaving your comments.
Stay safe.
Joe
Posted by: Joe at January 13, 2006 08:01 PM
