Law to require motorists ‘move over’ from emergency scenes

CHATTANOOGA (AP) — Motorists who fail to move over and leave an open lane between themselves and emergency vehicles on Tennessee roadsides will be subject to $50 fines starting July 1.

Highway Patrol officers say too many drivers ignore emergency vehicles on the sides of highways and interstates.

“We’ve always had a problem with drivers staying in the closest lanes to us,” Highway Patrol Lt. Danny Hall told the Chattanooga Times Free Press.

The new state law carries a maximum fine of $50 for drivers who fail to change lanes when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle on the side of interstates or highways with at least four lanes. If changing lanes is impossible or unsafe, drivers must slow down to a safer speed, according to the state law.

Lt. Christie Phillips, a THP safety education officer, said the law will enhance safety.

“When we’re on the side of the road, tractor-trailers drive by so fast it blows our hats off,” Phillips said.

Officials haven’t yet said how the law will be enforced, Tennessee Department of Safety Spokeswoman Beth Denton said.

“Troopers can contact dispatch, notify them of the incident and have another trooper assist,” Denton said. “Each incident will have to be evaluated by the individual trooper.”

Hamilton County Sheriff John Cupp said that could be a problem.

“The most we could do is get a tag number, but it happens so quickly you have to thank God you didn’t get hit,” Cupp said.

Emergency vehicles include those operated by troopers, police and sheriff personnel, emergency medical service vehicles, tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles.

Nationally since 2000, six highway patrol officers working along roadsides have died from injuries suffered when they were struck by vehicles, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.

Denton said the most recent Tennessee Highway Patrol roadside death occurred in 2001. She said five troopers have been killed since 1956.

Since Tennessee’s law won’t be enforced until July, troopers are issuing warning tickets.

Chattanooga truck driver Kevin Murray said his supervisors have already told drivers about the new law.

“We’ve been told to reduce our speeds 20 mph or more if we see” emergency vehicles, Murray said.

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