Title: DEPUTIES BEGIN "MOVE OVER LAW"-PROCEDURE ON APPROACH OF AN AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT
Date: 08/01/2012
NATCHITOCHES PARISH, LA.
Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies are enforcing a State law enacted by the Louisiana Legislature according to Natchitoches Parish Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.
The law commonly called “The Move Over Law” or Procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle, which has been enforced by the Louisiana State Police for some time, is now being aggressively enforced by deputies mainly for officer safety according to Sheriff Jones.
Way to often, deputies report that while on traffic stops, at accident scenes , assisting stranded motorists, or assisting wrecker services, with emergency lights activated, they are almost hit or missed by inches by a traveling motorist.
Sheriff Jones, stated that all emergency response units should feel safe while on various scenes on the roadside.
Effective immediately deputies will be enforcing this law, which states:
RS32:125. Procedure on approach of an authorized emergency vehicle; passing a parked emergency vehicle
A. Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle making use of audible or visual signals, or of a police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible signal only, the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right-of-way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the highway clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a police officer.
B. When any vehicle making use of any visual signals as authorized by law, including the display of alternately flashing amber or yellow warning lights, is parked on or near the highway, the driver of every other vehicle shall:
(1) When driving on an interstate highway or other highway with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction, yield the right-of-way by making a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the parked vehicle, if possible with due regard to safety and traffic conditions. If a lane change is not possible, the driver shall slow to a reasonably safe speed.
(2) Maintain a safe speed for road conditions, if unable or unsafe to change lanes, or driving on a two-lane road or highway.
C. This Section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with due regard for the safety of all persons using the highway.
The fine for the violation is up to $200.
Since 1999 over 164 law enforcement officers have been struck by vehicles traveling on our nations highways.
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