Disability Law

Car Accident Attorney in Douglasville, Georgia Reminds Drivers to "Move Over" and Avoid Injury Wrecks

By Jack E. Clay

If you are a Douglas County resident, perhaps you noticed an increase in law enforcement presence this week. It seems as though during a holiday week or weekend, local police are making sure to keep a close eye on drivers. Rest assured it is for everyone's safety. I wanted to take a moment to remind everyone of an important law in Georgia that also works towards keeping drivers safe.

Some of you may recall from years past Georgia's Move Over Law. It has been enforced by local law enforcement, such as the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, the Douglasville Police Department, and the Georgia State Patrol, since 2003. By 2008, most states in the nation had developed laws just like it. Basically, the law requires that drivers "move over" one lane if possible when approaching stopped emergency vehicles on the highway. For example, if an officer has pulled someone over, traffic in the closest lane must merge safely into the next available lane to avoid possible collision. This helps to ensure the safety of not only the occupants of the stopped emergency vehicle, but the driver and any passengers in passing vehicles. However, the law also understands that this lane change may not always be possible. In that scenario, traffic must slow down and be prepared to stop instead.

Some of you may wonder what types of emergency vehicles are involved in this law. The law includes emergency vehicles operated by police, paramedics, firefighters, tow trucks, and even highway maintenance workers. Further, if found in violation of the law, drivers can be fined as high as $500.

As I have blogged in the past, traffic accidents account for a large percentage of injuries and even deaths in Georgia. If you or someone you know have been hurt in an auto accident, truck wreck, highway collision or other untimely accident, contact my law office for a free consultation.

Full post as published by Georgia Law Blog on November 12, 2009 (boomark / email).