Great "New" Law in Minnesota

[Oswegowind 17]

The following law was found on the Minnesota State Police Website.

"Ted Foss" Move Over Law

Minnesota State law 169.18 subd. 11

"When approaching and before passing an authorized emergency vehicle that is parked or otherwise stopped on or next to a street or highway having two or more lanes in the same direction, the driver of a vehicle shall safely move the vehicle to a lane away from the emergency vehicle."

This is one of the best things I have seen for officer safety that is so basic. I actually do this, I have even inched over the double yellow line on occasion to promote safety towards the unprotected police officer. This could reduce injury as well as fatality numbers on traffic stops. New York should adopt such a law and set up dummy stops to enforce it so that people learn!

Minnesote Dept. of Public Safety, aka State Police

And, I do understand that it includes all emergency vehicles and their personnel, I just happened to find it on a Law enforcement website and thus posted it according to that.

Edited February 9, 2008 by Oswegowind

[Guest WCDES636]

New York State" Ambrose-Searles move over act "

TITLE OF BILL: An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in

relation to enacting the "Ambrose-Searles move over act"

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

To protect law enforcement and emergency workers by requiring

motorists to "move over" or "slow down" when approaching a parked

authorized emergency vehicle with emergency lights flashing.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1 is the short title, the "Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act."

Section 2 requires the commissioner of motor vehicles to include an

explanation of the requirements for overtaking a parked authorized

emergency vehicle in the driver`s manual given to all learner`s permit

applicants.

Section 3 requires applicants taking a driver`s license test to be

questioned on the requirements for overtaking a parked authorized

emergency vehicle.

Section 4 describes actions drivers must take prior to and upon

overtaking an authorized emergency vehicle parked on a highway when

such vehicle`s emergency lights are flashing. Provides penalties.

Section 5 allows the commissioner of motor vehicles to establish and

implement an educational program designed to inform operators of motor

vehicles as to the provisions of the "Move Over Act".

JUSTIFICATION:

Thousands of law enforcement and emergency workers risk their lives

every day to protect the citizens of New York State. State law must

address improving officer`s and emergency personnel safety. At least 5

other states have enacted similar legislation to protect police and

emergency vehicles from motorists who have crashed their vehicles into

police and emergency vehicles that were parked on highways or roadways

in the performance of their duties. This bill would require motorists

to "move over" or "slow down" when their vehicle is approaching an

authorized emergency vehicle when its emergency lights are flashing

that is parked on a highway or roadway in New York State.

On March 11, 2003, the New York State Senate Committee on

Investigations conducted the first ever government public hearing in

the nation probing the safety of the Ford Motor Company`s Crown

Victoria Police Interceptor (CVPI). This investigation was prompted by

the horrific death of New York State Trooper Robert Ambrose. Ambrose

was fatally injured during a routine traffic stop on the New York

State Thruway in Yonkers, New York on December 23, 2002. Trooper

Ambrose`s CVPI was rear-ended by an intoxicated driver of a sports

utility vehicle at a speed in excess of 80 miles per hour. Upon

impact, his patrol car burst into flames. Ambrose was burned alive

inside his vehicle. In addition to Trooper Ambrose, two civilians died

in the accident.

On November 29, 2003, Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff Glenn M. Searles

was assisting a motorist whose vehicle had gone off the highway when a

second car lost control and struck Deputy Searles, pinning him against

his patrol car. Deputy Searles died from his injuries, tragically

illustrating the great risk faced by our emergency responders who are

called on to serve in hazardous conditions. The presence of a police

or other emergency vehicle signals to a motorist not only a potential

dangerous situation, but also that professional and volunteer

emergency work may be under way. This legislation honors the memory of

Trooper Ambrose and Deputy Searles and others lost while serving the

public by educating motorists on the need to use due care.

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2003-2004, S.1390 Passed Senate, A.6164 Reported to Codes.

A.2403C of 2005-2006. Reported to Ways and Means

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None.

EFFECTIVE DATE:

Immediately, except sections 2 and 3 shall take effect September 1,

2007, except that the promulgation of any rules and regulations, and

the taking of any other actions necessary to implement the provisions

of such sections of this act are authorized and directed to be made on

or before the effective date of such sections of this act. Section 4

shall take effect January 1, 2008.

[DOC22 1]

GREAT move!!! It's something that's long overdue. If ONE life is saved or one tragic death averted it's worth it.

[ajsbear 11]

Putting this legislation into effect is great. Getting it out to the new drivers is easy but then you have to get this out to John and Jane Q Public. How do you get the mojority of the people this information. It's not going to make "page one" in the Journal Snooze as its not what they consider news. One of us getting run over is news to them.

The second thing is getting our officers to understand placement. I have passed many a scene on the roads in my business travel and local as well where the emergency vehicle is parked over in a safe area and not positioned where it adds to the safety of the members on the scene.

Officers, that truck is needed to block the scene from oncoming traffic. Yes it then is exposed to getting hit but better the rig than a member.

[Oswegowind 17]

Dave, Is the law actually on the books or are the effective dates just for the purpose of the amendment. If so, what is the VTL id for this law? I have not seen anything, but I wasn't really looking either, came across the MN. one as a result of being a buff.

I did however move on over for a Trooper on my way to work, as I always do!

[Guest]

The only states in the USA that do not have a "move over" law are: New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Delaware, Nebraska, and Hawaii.

Details on Move Over America