January 8, 2018 by Josslyn Howard

Different agencies from law enforcement to tow truck companies came together Thursday to raise awareness of the state’s “Move Over Law.”

This law helps protect first responders and service vehicles while they’re doing their job on the road.

And they have a message they want to send to you.

“The simple act of moving over gives these men and women adequate working space to do their job and can greatly increase safety on Florida roadways for everyone,” said Major Eileen Powell of the Florida Highway Patrol.

“People aren’t replaceable,” said Nicki Spencer, owner of Tri-County Towing and Recovery. “Families aren’t replaceable. For us, move over law was a blessing when the state of Florida initiated it.”

The law states on highways with two or more lanes, move over one lane for stopped emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles and wreckers.

“Being able to slow down enough to take the time, to pay attention to where our employees are on the road is vital to the safety of our employees,” said Dayna Miller of Waste Pro.

If you can’t move over, slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, slow down to five miles per hour.

“The law is simple,” Powell said. “Move over. Slow down and save a life. This would be the lives of the people that are in this room.”

Penalties for violating the move over law include up to a $500 fine and three points added to your license.

The law was enacted in 2002, and these agencies say they will not stop spreading awareness until everyone is educated on the importance of following this law.