In recognition of National Move Over Day, observed on Saturday, October 19, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is raising awareness about the critical importance of Connecticut’s Move Over Law. This day serves as a reminder for motorists to prioritize the safety of emergency responders, construction crews, and all roadside workers by slowing down and moving over when approaching stopped vehicles.
Between 2017 and 2021, 16 people lost their lives in roadside crashes in Connecticut, with 13 of these fatalities occurring after dark. The Move Over Law, originally enacted in 2009 and expanded in 2017, was further strengthened last year. The law now applies even to one-lane roads, requiring drivers to slow down for all vehicles, including disabled vehicles, when they cannot physically move over.
Connecticut’s Move Over Law (Sec. 14-283b) is among the most comprehensive in the nation, as it requires drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle stopped on the roadside, not just emergency vehicles. This law applies to all highways and side roads with two or more lanes in one direction. If it is not safe to change lanes, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution.
“Tragedies and loss of life can be avoided when we all take a shared responsibility for safety and obey Connecticut’s Move Over Law,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “National Move Over Day is an annual opportunity to remind drivers of their responsibility to protect those who work on or around our roadways. Whether it’s CTDOT crews, emergency responders, roadside workers, or stranded motorists, everyone deserves to make it home alive. Obeying the Move Over Law isn’t just the right thing to do, it saves lives.”
“In light of the tragic loss of TFC Aaron Pelletier, which has deeply affected both law enforcement and our community, the State Police are committed to rigorously enforcing the Move Over law,” said Connecticut State Police Colonel Daniel Loughman. “We believe that raising awareness about this critical law is essential for protecting not only our Troopers but also all motorists and emergency responders on the road. Through ongoing enforcement and community education, we hope to instill a greater understanding of the importance of this law, fostering a safer highway environment for everyone.”
“Firefighters, ambulance personnel, State troopers, police officers, tow operators, Department of Transportation and other highway workers, and utility workers all work on our highways,” said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. “They are our friends, our neighbors, and our loved ones. It is our responsibility as citizens to give them a safe workspace. Please, slow down and move over for them. Thank you for doing your part, and stay safe.”
To further reinforce this message, CTDOT recently launched a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign titled “Real Lives,” aimed at educating the public on the life-saving impact of the Move Over Law. The campaign is running across multiple platforms including Broadcast and Cable TV, Streaming TV, Radio, Streaming Radio, Paid Social, Video Pre-Roll, and Gas Station radio, ensuring that the message reaches as many Connecticut drivers as possible.
WATCH: “Real Lives 1” and “Real Lives 2”
Key Reminders of Connecticut’s Move Over Law:
- Move Over: On highways with two or more lanes, move over one lane when approaching a stopped vehicle on the roadside.
- Slow Down: If it's unsafe to change lanes, slow down to a safe speed below the posted limit and pass with caution.
- Applies to All Vehicles: This law covers any stopped vehicle on the roadside, not just emergency or service vehicles.
- Penalties: Violating the Move Over Law can result in significant fines, especially if the violation leads to injury or death.
Motorists are urged to take these precautions seriously to prevent crashes, protect roadside workers, and ensure everyone's safety.
For more information about the Move Over Law and how you can help protect those working on the roadways, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs/move-over-law.
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