MOUNT GILEAD – Police cars were involved in 56 crashes last year resulting from motorists failing to yield right-of-way during emergencies, an Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) news release says, so troopers are warning drivers about the dangers.
OSHP advises motorists to help keep everyone safe by moving over when they see a stationary public safety vehicle, emergency vehicle, road service or highway maintenance vehicle on the side of the road with flashing or rotating lights.
These “move over” accidents caused one death last year and 52 injuries, the OSHP reports, with drugs or alcohol playing a role in 25% of these crashes, while inclement weather (rain, snow, ice) contributed to just over half of them.
“Moving over helps protect the lives of everyone who works on or uses our roadways,” said Lt. G. S. Grewal of the Mount Gilead post. “Moving over isn’t just the law; it’s the right thing to do.”
Ohio law requires all drivers to move over to an adjacent lane when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. If moving over is not possible due to traffic or weather conditions, or because a second lane does not exist, motorists should slow down and proceed with caution. The Move Over law now exists in all 50 states.
To view the statistical analysis regarding our safe driving awareness month visit statepatrol.ohio.gov/links/MoveOver_Bulletin_2021.pdf.
Moving over or slowing down is also important when driving in work zones. For more information on Ohio’s work zones, and what troopers do to make them safer, visit workzonedashboard.ohio.gov.
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