Protect and serve. These two actions are what service men and women do each day for our local city and state. It is our responsibility as Georgians to respect these men and women as they continue to keep our communities safe. However, there have been circumstances where our local law enforcement have been injured or even killed because we weren’t paying attention behind the wheel.
Take for instance a time you have been driving down the highway and noticed a police officer pulled over. Did you provide them with enough room? Do you know that there is an actual Georgia law that exists for this exact instance – to protect police officers and other first responders while they work along the side of the road?
Pedestrians Hit By a Car on the Side of the Road
For a free legal consultation, call 404-214-2001
The Move Over Law was passed due to the rising numbers of emergency responders and DOT workers who were killed by cars during traffic stops, roadside accidents and road construction. Currently, there are over 30 states that have passed the Move Over Law – Georgia being one of them. Across the country, fines can range anywhere from $200 to $1,000. In Georgia, the fine for breaking the Move Over Law can be up to $500.
According to Georgia’s Move Over Law (O.C.G.A. § 40-6-16), which is also known as the Spencer Pass Law for a Georgia HERO worker who was hit and killed while assisting a motorist, says:
The operator of a motor vehicle who is approaching a stationary, emergency vehicle that has flashing yellow, amber, white, red or blue lights must be cautious by:
- Making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the authorized emergency vehicle if possible in the existing safety and traffic conditions; or
- If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, the driver must reduce the speed of their vehicle to a reasonable speed. This should be below the posted speed limit and the driver should be prepared to stop at any time.
- Violating this code will result in a fine of not more than $500.
Protect First Responders from Being Hit on the Side of the Road
Georgia’s first responders help, protect and serve our state every day. As drivers we need to protect them from accidents, injury or death. Please move over when you see flashing lights or notice traffic is slowing down.
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Kaine Law is a personal injury law firm representing injured accident victims in Georgia. With offices in Atlanta, Conyers, Lawrenceville and Stockbridge, Kaine Law’s personal injury attorneys specialize in representing injured motorcycle accident victims, injured car accident victims, injured dog bite victims and injured pedestrian accident victims. Kaine Law represents their injured accident victim clients using a contingency fee agreement which provides that there are no legal fees unless we win.
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Kaine Law is a personal injury law firm representing injured accident victims in Georgia. With offices in Atlanta, Conyers, Lawrenceville and Stockbridge, Kaine Law’s personal injury attorneys specialize in representing injured motorcycle accident victims, injured car accident victims, injured dog bite victims and injured pedestrian accident victims. Kaine Law represents their injured accident victim clients using a contingency fee agreement which provides that there are no legal fees unless we win.
Call or text 404-214-2001 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
