Ohio State Highway Patrol troopers have been involved in 11 crashes this year related to the state's Move Over Law, while more than 70 vehicles, pieces of equipment, or workers from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have been struck statewide. These incidents highlight the serious risks faced by emergency responders, tow truck operators, and highway crews working along Ohio's busy roadways, according to AAA, law enforcement, and roadside safety officials.
Ahead of National Move Over Day on Saturday, October 17, these organizations are renewing calls for drivers to move over or slow down when approaching any stationary vehicle displaying flashing lights. The warning comes as officials work to prevent crashes involving emergency responders, tow truck operators, and highway crews.
Video footage released by the Ohio State Highway Patrol demonstrates how quickly a routine traffic stop or roadside emergency can escalate into a dangerous situation. Some recordings show troopers forced to jump out of the path of oncoming vehicles, while other clips depict patrol cruisers being sideswiped by trucks, the Patrol reported. While no officers were reported injured in the specific crashes shown in the video footage, a separate incident earlier this year resulted in two Licking County sheriff’s deputies being transported to a hospital following a crash.
Ohio's Move Over Law mandates that drivers must move to an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, or significantly reduce their speed, when approaching any stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and highway maintenance crews. The law's primary goal is to provide these essential workers with adequate space, thereby reducing the risk of them being struck by passing traffic.
AAA is actively collaborating with safety officials and law enforcement agencies to increase public awareness of the Move Over Law. Their efforts aim to inform drivers who may be unaware of the legal requirement or who might not fully grasp the inherent dangers faced by individuals working on the shoulder or alongside traffic lanes.
Chelsea Sick with AAA emphasized that compliance with the law is not just a suggestion but "It is required by law that people move over or slow down," she stated. Sick added that many drivers might not be aware of the regulation or might not be considering the people working by the road. Sick stressed the personal aspect of roadside work, reminding motorists that these individuals are "parents, they are sisters, brothers, they are children." She underscored the importance of ensuring these workers return home safely at the end of their shifts.
The recent crashes involving both State Highway Patrol troopers and ODOT crews underscore the constant peril faced by those responding to emergencies, assisting stranded motorists, and maintaining Ohio’s extensive road network. Officials caution that even a brief lapse in a driver's attention can critically endanger both the workers and other drivers on the road.
Motorists are being urged by officials to remain vigilant, actively watch for emergency vehicles and roadside crews, and provide as much safe space as possible when passing. For drivers who find it unsafe to change lanes, slowing down significantly is the legal requirement.
As National Move Over Day approaches, AAA and safety officials reiterate that simply adhering to this law is a crucial step that can effectively prevent serious injuries and save lives across Ohio.
