New York – State police are warning motorists that New York’s “move over law” is being expanded as of New Year’s Day to include tow trucks, other emergency vehicles and highway crews.
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The law requiring drivers to shift lanes when approaching flashing police lights will now include flashing amber lights as well.
If it isn’t safe to change lanes, drivers must slow down.
The law enacted to protect police and others originally took effect Jan. 1.
I understand the need for the emergency personal to be protected. On the other hand how safe is it for a driver to switch lanes abruptly on the highway while driving 55 – 70 mph on GSP or thruway?
Just close the whole highway when a police officer decides to munch his lunch with his flashing lights, and then there’ll be no risk to the officers life. amber lights?! That’s a new one!
one of the best kept secrets so they can ticket you for not moving over.
If anyone is naive or brainwashed enough to not see this for what it is – a ploy to raise money – that individual has more problems than i care to address.
Another side benefit: it’s getting harder and more prohibitive to drive a car.
Tractors too !! They too have flashing yellow lights And in june 2012 the law will have us move away from the mailman car and in. Dec 2012 probably away from fed ex and sewer guys
The law in my state requires drivers to move over from the right lane to the left lane (in the event a police car or emergency vehicle is on the berm on the right), only if it is safe to do so. In other words, if there is another car in the left lane rapidly approaching (and hence, not safe to change lanes), a motorist should not change lanes. The latter would be a defense in case a ticket was issued. Also, if one is on a highway on the right side, and there is a police car with flashing lights and siren coming from the rear, even though the cop can still pass you in the left lane, one is still mandated to pull over to the emergency shoulder to yield to the emergency vehicle. Yes, these laws seem arbitrary and capricious, but the law is the law.
SHOULD WE MOVE OVER FOR THE ambulence chasing LAWYERS ALSO?
How about the many tow trucks racing to the scene to solicite business?
How about the insurance investigators to take pictures?
How about the wife racing to get the death certificate to collect the insurance?
…Just asking…
according to obama …
everyone should have the same flashing lights…
This is ridiculous. The police already abuse the use of their lights and sirens. These tow truck drivers drive like animals and we’re giving them additional authority????
I guess none of u ever watched a clip showing cars slamming into police cars on side of the road, or emergency vehicles (including tow trucks etc.), causing damage, injury and sometimes fatal r”l, a lot of drivers get distracted and nosy to see whats happening which causes them to lose control and plow right into the scene they’re staring at.
Ohh NOO! All these buffs and rent-a-cop security guards driving around with amber lights are getting excited over this news.