ELKRIDGE, Md. – Standing next to a mock crash site that included a tractor-trailer tipped over on its side, first responders from across Maryland issued a plea to drivers Thursday to follow the law and move over when they see emergency crews on the side of the road.
“We’ve seen police officers and fire apparatus struck,” said Scott Yinger, a division chief with the Maryland State Highway Administration. “The frequency of which this is happening is truly unacceptable and should be a concern for everyone.”
Under the move over law in Maryland, drivers need to move to a non-adjacent lane when they see stopped emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.
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10 comments:
ticket/monetary penalty seems to get one's attention very quickly!
On a two lane road it would be easier if people understood staying out of the #1 lane unless you are QUICKLY passing or will be turning left soon. If the #1 lane is clear then it would be easier to move over when approaching an emergency situation. As soon as you pass the emergency, then move back in the #2 lane where everyone should be anyway. Keep right courtesy is unheard of on Delmarva. I wish it was a law, it would certainly cut down of road rage from people who don't understand why others are tailgating them in the #1 lane.
I know I will get flack for this, but some of these "First Responders" are so self important and about their position that they create dangerous situations where it us not necessary.
How about the police get rid of those super bright lights that blind you as pass by. You can't tell me that is not a factor in some of these accidents. They tell you to keep your eyes on the road and that is all well and fine but you lose sight of the road for a split second when you get close to those lights.
All of the comments so far, 435pm - 539pm, have been very good, on point and full of common sense.
Maybe there is some confusion as to exactly which vehicles drivers are required to move over/slow down for. I would therefor suggest lawmakers amend the current law and make it mandatory for drivers to move over/slow down for ALL vehicles on a shoulder.
No more confusion and safer for everyone. And would keep in line with ALL lives matter, not just lives with flashing lights on their vehicle. And HOPEFULLY there wouldn't be an increase in accidents caused by people moving over.
Anonymous Anonymous said...
How about the police get rid of those super bright lights that blind you as pass by. You can't tell me that is not a factor in some of these accidents. They tell you to keep your eyes on the road and that is all well and fine but you lose sight of the road for a split second when you get close to those lights.
December 2, 2016 at 5:39 PM
Yup. They have that attitude of "look at me, look at me".
Not true, probably policy. But the strobes do blind you at night when they have 300 of them on the car? Can you hear me Mr. Tracy?
I can tell you it's not a factor. Don't look at the lights, slow down, and move over.
Anonymous said...
I can tell you it's not a factor. Don't look at the lights, slow down, and move over.
December 3, 2016 at 10:33 AM
Good tip. It's a shame people need to be told to do that
I am against government intrusion into the everyday lives of citizens; however, due to the lack of common sense, decency and driving ability of too many motor vehicle operators, this is a good law. It would be even better if ALL JUDGES would uphold it.
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