TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A series of laws passed in 2023 are now in effect as of Jan. 1, 2024. One of the most notable ones will directly impact your commute.
Florida's "move over" law, which requires drivers to move over for emergency vehicles, is now enhanced to include more vehicles. Drivers will need to move over for any disabled vehicle. This includes cars flashing their hazard lights or displaying emergency signs or flares.
If you don't slow down or move over for those vehicles going forward, you could be fined up to $158.
A spokesman for AAA, Mark Jenkins, said that after advocating for a stronger "move over" law, the auto group was glad to see it finally come to fruition.
"The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside," Jenkins said.
Paul Colon and his family were stranded at the side of the road along Interstate 75 waiting for roadside assistance on New Year’s Day and feeling nervous as cars and trucks whisked by.
“Especially the tractor-trailers when they come through,” Colon said. “I mean...you can feel our car moving.”
His wife, Alla, added: “You know, you just sit here kind of hoping that nothing will happen until they get here.”
Clearly, not everyone was familiar yet with Florida’s newly expanded "move over" law, as the cars and trucks came within inches of their vehicle.
“You know, the further you guys are away from us, the less chance that someone will get hurt,” Road Ranger Rob Hall said.
Hall, who has seen his share of close calls, says the expanded law just makes sense.
“People don't realize how scary it is until you're the one on the side of the road and it's just you and the car going 80 mph,” Hall said. “It's a little nervous. So, the more space you can give them the better.”
Statistics shared by AAA show that highway traffic has posed a significant danger for emergency workers and drivers of disabled vehicles.
- From 2016-2020, nearly 350 people per year were killed while standing outside a disabled car on the side of the road.
- On average, two emergency responders are killed every month when a driver does not follow "move over" laws that give rescuers space to operate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Government data shows that tow operators are killed at a rate of almost 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to just three for all other industries.
AAA reminds drivers to stay alert while driving and actively watch for emergency vehicles and pedestrians on the roadside. They also remind motorists who are stranded on the side of the road to turn their hazard lights on and pull over as far on the shoulder as they are safely able to.