“Move over or get pulled over” is a new slogan from the campaign “Move Over Arizona” that just launched this month. This law has been around for about a year. It says that drivers need to slow down or move to a different lane if they see law enforcement officials pulled over on the side of the highway. A new addition was added last year to also include tow truck drivers, stranded drivers and vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the highway.
But according to the Arizona Department of Transportation, many people are not aware of the law and others simply just don't follow it. That is the reason why every Monday in March law enforcement officials will be on the lookout for drivers who break this law. If a driver is caught disobeying this law, they could be slapped with a fine up to $180.00.
According to ADOT, highway workers have very dangerous jobs not just here in Arizona, but across the nation. Twenty-three highway workers are killed every month nationally. Tow truck drivers also risk their lives to help stranded drivers on a daily basis. In fact, one tow truck driver is killed about every six days in the United States.
With these statistics, it makes sense that these laws exist to keep everyone safe. It is not intrusive and it does not infringe upon anyone’s freedom. It simply says “drive a little safer” when you see these occurring in front of you. If you can pull into another lane, do it. If not, slow down a bit to be cautious.
With this law put in place, will it help prevent auto accidents on Arizona freeways? Will it help those who have to be on the side of the road risking their lives everyday to do their job? Sure. This is something that needs to be made aware to all the public in Arizona. Let's hope that with this campaign, it will protect many more lives.
Anyone disagree with this?