Starting on January 1, Florida’s “Move Over” law will undergo an expansion, compelling drivers to either change lanes or reduce speed when encountering stalled cars with their hazard lights activated. The existing version of the law mandates drivers to slow down by 20 mph or merge when encountering law enforcement, tow trucks, or other essential personnel with activated hazards.
This expansion addresses concerns raised by tow operators like Amr Elshahawany, who emphasized the necessity of such measures due to the potential dangers posed by stalled cars or traffic stops.
Elshahawany, employed by Stellar Towing and Recovery, highlighted the challenges tow truck operators face, stating, “These tow trucks are very wide. Some of these sides you don’t have any room.”
Statistics from AAA indicate that an average of 24 emergency workers, including tow truck drivers, lose their lives annually after being struck on roadsides. The expansion of the law comes in response to the alarming risks faced by roadside workers.
The urgency for such measures was underscored by a 2015 incident where a Florida Highway Patrol trooper was struck while returning to his patrol car during a traffic stop. Video footage released by the Florida Department of Highway Safety captured the shocking moments that resulted in the trooper sustaining a shattered pelvis.
Elshahawany expressed uncertainty about the public’s awareness of Florida’s existing “Move Over” law, as some drivers reportedly fail to slow down or change lanes for tow operators. With the law expanding to encompass all stalled cars with activated hazards, he hopes this will raise awareness among drivers about the importance of caution when encountering such situations on the road.
The revised law is set to take effect on January 1, 2024. Fines for non-compliance with the law range from $60 to $158.