Some drivers in New York State will now be required to take extra precautions when encountering disabled vehicles on the road. A new state law, which went into effect on Wednesday, mandates that drivers either change lanes to give disabled vehicles more space or slow down if it is unsafe to switch lanes. The law extends existing protections for emergency responders, highway maintenance workers, and tow-truck drivers. State Assemblyman Ken Zebrowski, one of the chief sponsors of the legislation, emphasized that this measure is a common-sense approach to improving road safety.
Under the new law, if it is unsafe to change lanes, drivers are required to slow down to a reasonable speed. Violating this law could result in two license points and a maximum fine of $150 for a first offense. The law aims to prevent accidents and fatalities by ensuring that drivers take necessary precautions when encountering disabled vehicles. The legislation covers disabled vehicles in any part of the roadway, not just on the shoulder.
New York now joins 21 other states that have similar move-over laws that cover all stopped vehicles. In some states, failure to comply with these laws can result in jail time. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is currently conducting research to gauge compliance with move-over laws and has found that 17% of motorists are unaware of their state’s specific law.
Between 2016 and 2020, 37 people were fatally injured in New York state while outside a disabled vehicle. Nassau County had the highest number of such incidents, with five fatalities. The AAA cited a study showing that nearly 300 motorists are struck and killed roadside each year nationwide.
Law enforcement agencies in New York, such as the Suffolk County Police Department, have pledged to enforce the move-over law more strictly. They plan to conduct regular patrols and establish dedicated details to identify and ticket violators. By expanding enforcement, authorities hope to further protect motorists attending to emergencies on the shoulder of the road.
The new law aims to create safer conditions for those attending to broken-down vehicles. By requiring drivers to either change lanes or slow down, the legislation seeks to prevent accidents and reduce the risk of injuries or deaths.