A bipartisan group of Ohio lawmakers is proposing an expansion of the state’s “Move Over Law,” requiring drivers to change lanes or slow down when they see any vehicle with hazard lights on. The initiative comes after a series of incidents involving vehicles on the side of the road being struck by passing cars.
In a recent incident captured on body camera footage, a tow truck driver was severely injured when a car hit him while he was assisting with a roadside crash. The driver of the car that struck him did not stop and fled the scene. This incident highlights the dangers faced by drivers and roadside workers when vehicles fail to heed warning signals.
Driving instructor Drew Salyer emphasized the importance of paying attention while driving. “Our hands follow our eyes and where you look is where your vehicle is going to go,” Salyer said. “We see more and more people not paying attention behind the wheel.”
Ohio’s current Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when they see emergency vehicles like police cars or ambulances with their lights on. However, state Senator Kent Smith (D-Euclid) wants to expand this law to include any vehicle displaying hazard lights, red lights, flares, or other emergency signals.
Under the proposed bipartisan Senate Bill 16, drivers would face increased penalties for failing to move over or slow down when encountering vehicles in distress. Violations would be considered a misdemeanor with significant fines. Primary sponsor Steve Wilson (R-Maineville) introduced a similar bill last year, which passed the Senate but stalled in the House.
“There is a lot of data showing a rise in accidents and fatalities related to distressed vehicles,” Wilson said. “I believe this legislation will prevent more of these accidents and save lives.”
The bill also includes an additional $100 fine for offenders who were distracted while driving. Senator Smith emphasized the goal of raising awareness to keep Ohioans safer on the roads.
Driving instructor Drew Salyer supports the bill but suggests it could go further by applying to any vehicle on the side of the road, regardless of whether hazard lights are on. “Anytime someone is off the side of the road, it’s probably for a good reason,” he said.
The bill is expected to be heard in the coming months, as lawmakers aim to enhance road safety for all drivers and roadside workers in Ohio.
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