Move Over, Slow Down, And Crash!
December 14th, 2007 Posted in Traffic Congestion
By NMA President, James Baxter
A common act in our driving culture is to move left, as far as practical and necessary, to give a little extra room to vehicles that are stopped along side the road.
It could be someone changing a tire, a police officer aiding or ticketing a motorist, or a tow truck loading a disabled vehicle.
It’s just common sense and common courtesy to provide a cushion of space in these situations.
Never content with common sense and common courtesy, the safety kanobs and ax grinders in the country want perfection. This is now manifested in 44 states as “move over, slow down laws and is being promoted by AAA, towing companies, police groups, and the usual collection of “safety” organizations. They even have a NASCAR driver (David Ragan) roped into the PR campaign.
The big push is to extend the law to just about any roadside vehicle capable of mustering a blinking light.
Personal experience and anecdotes suggest these laws are an unintended disaster.
Traffic is flowing along at 70 MPH and a stopped squad car appears:
- Ultra law abiders veer into the left lane causing mayhem in the passing lane.
- Those who actually look first see they can’t make the lane change safely, and on go the brakes.
- The vehicles immediately behind, in which the drivers are now looking at their mirrors or over their shoulders, attempting to move left, suddenly are stunned by glaring brake lights.
- They veer, they brake, they may even take to the shoulder to avoid rear-ending the car in front of them.
Of course the stopped vehicles are on the shoulder, there to greet them. Meanwhile, 50 or 100 vehicles back, speeds suddenly drop 20 MPH and the inattentive get the opportunity to meet their fellow travelers, up close and personal.
Given that 44 states have these laws, some for several years, it stands to reason that they might have been evaluated in terms of looking for reduced crashes and injuries related to roadside accidents.
We contacted the AAA, the advertised chief promoter of this campaign, and asked them if they had research or could point us to a study that verified the supposed benefits of these laws.
The short answer was “no” they don’t have any evidence to support the value of these laws, just the conviction based on the bias of troopers and tow truck drivers, that “move over, slow down” laws are a good idea.
This is a classic “tail wagging the dog” public policy that takes a useful voluntary gesture (showing a little consideration for those stranded or working along the roadside) and turning it into an arbitrary counterproductive law.
This ranks right up there with the fad of doubling, or worse, fines for speeding in work zones.
The official hype is that motorists are mowing down roadside workers. The truth is that the biggest danger to roadside workers is other roadside workers.
Pray for the day we motorists can get a little respite from these charlatans! Maybe we should hire a NASCAR driver to plead our case?
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10 Responses to “Move Over, Slow Down, And Crash!”
By Lanny on Jul 7, 2008
I am not saying the move over law isn’t needed, though it is a shame a law is needed for common respect of anyone on the road. The big issue I have is that signs are posted regularly along interstate but very few know the consequences of not moving over AND slowing down. Construction zones tell the penalty. Signs for this should do the same since the penalty is so extreme. It also doesn’t clarify whether emergency lights have to be on or not.
By Andy Watkins on Apr 16, 2008
First, I am not bashing anyone who has posted a comment. I am one of those cops that makes a lot of traffic stops. Let me tell you, there is no such thing as a routine traffic stop. I do appreciate those drivers who decide to slow down or move over. I have been extremely lucky thus far, I have not had a close call nor have I been hit. However, there are so many things going on during a traffic stop some things just take priority and constantly looking behind you is often not an option, at least not as much as one would like. Yet at the same time, I understand your frustration, it is very frustrating to have to slow down for someone that is moving like a turtle in the passing lane.
If you disagree with the laws (perhaps in your state) maybe you should stand a mere few feet or less from a speeding car or tractor-trailer some time and know it is coming and wonder if it will hit you or narrowly miss. How would you like it if one of your loved ones were one of those unlucky ones to have been hit by a careless driver?
By Zach on Apr 12, 2008
It’s sad that people would rather complain and show their laziness instead of taking 3 extra seconds to safely move to another lane. If a vehicle is broken down, the driver, the tow truck driver, and/or the Police Officer cannot decide where this will happen. I agree with a comment already posted above,”It’s just plain stupid to try to legislate and enforce courtesy.” But, it’s pathetic that a law would have to be passed to make people act decent, yet it still happens everyday.
By Hey on Apr 10, 2008
move over slow down and crash and I hope you die instead of killing other motorist or those out there on the roadway. Bottom line motorist need to slow down pay attention to driving, be attentive and respect their fellow man kind. If not crash kill or injure someone blame it on everyone else
By Marice on Dec 19, 2007
These laws are just another way to generate revenue if needed. All vehicles emergency or otherwise, should not stop on roadways that cannot accommodate them safely. If that is not the case, then the broke down motorist and tow truck driver should wait for an officer. The officer should place the safety materials for safe flow of traffic and in low visibility direct traffic, in a safety vest, with a flare or colored flashlight. As far as road construction crews, they should have concrete safety barricades to protect them in their work with sufficient signs and notice for drivers as to what is ahead. Many subcontractors cut corners and leave their worker vulnerable.
I’ve seen this sign at state border crossings to notify drivers. They are very explicit to move to the left or else. On these same highways, this law, if followed to the letter, can have potential to cause harm instead of preventing it. For example, with a divided highway, what if the vehicle is stopped on the left shoulder? What of the maintenance crew cutting grass? By adherence to these laws, you would put yourself and these people in harms way.
It’s just plain stupid to try to legislate and enforce courtesy. That is, unless you can make some money off of it.
By Cameron on Dec 19, 2007
For those complaining about this law put yourself in the shoes of the broke down motorist, tow truck driver, police officer, or road construction crew. How would you feel with cars passing by you at 80 mph with only inches to spare? Not to mention the amount of wind that comes seconds after a car passes, a wind which can be strong enough to blow a full grown man over into traffic if he isn’t holding on to something.
By bones on Dec 18, 2007
If “common” sense was really common. we wouldn’t need half of the laws on the books. unfortunately until the day that becomes a reality people need gentle reminders to do the right/safe thing.
Maybe the people that write these articles are safe and alert drivers equipped with this common sense. Unfortunately these people do not represent the vast majority of drivers.
By F.S. Christensen on Dec 16, 2007
Gentlemen please…again common sense is a huge factor. Move it off to the shoulder and to the right far enough when possible. Do not stop on roadways that are not safe enough to allow ample room with a safety margin of less than two lanes.
By George on Dec 14, 2007
Only when we take our country back.
By kyle on Dec 14, 2007
when will the crap finally stop coming from our law makers