How to Save Money and Lives With Georgia's Move Over Law

On January 2008, lawmakers of the State of Georgia announced enforcement of the Move-Over Law. At least fifteen (15) law enforcement officers across the country died in 2007 due to careless or distracted drivers. Officers states some motorists breeze by them so fast and so close they can barely hold onto their ticket book. Violators can now be charged as much as $500 if caught violating Georgia state law and $1000 by other states. Strangely enough, this is not a new law. The Move Over law has been around since 2003 but law enforcement never applied a fine to it nor were they enforcing it - until fatalities and injuries started to increase. These are senseless deaths and this author wholeheartedly supports law enforcement. This article is going to give you tips on how to save money and lives with Georgia's Move Over Law.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Car
• Driver's License
• Alertness

1. Move Over Law.
   
   I bet you see it everyday, too. The near misses when a car is on the side of the road and the driver can't even get out to check the vehicle for fear of being hit. Or the officer who stopped a motorist is having a difficult time getting safely out of his car. How about the vehicle that ended up in somebody's living room? You would think that proceeding cautiously when one sees warning lights (especially a cop lights)would just be common sense, doesn't it? Well, there are a lot of people who do not use common sense and hence another law has to be written and enforced.

2. What is meant by "Move Over"?
   
   The law simply wants you to "slow down and move over one lane whenever an emergency vehicle on the side of the road displays emergency lights". If you can't move over one lane, then slow down "below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop". Those are the only two requirements and they are not hard to follow. It should be a part of your defensive driving technique already.

3. When do the law apply?
   
   The law applies whenever public servants are trying to perform their duties. This includes police officers, paramedics, firefighters, tow-truck operators, highway maintenance workers and highway construction crews.

4. Saving money.
   
   By obeying the law, you manage to save yourself a hefty $500.00 fine in the State of Georgia and a possible $1000.00 fine in other states. You're wondering how they are going to catch you if the officer is busy with another customer? Well, most States are now requiring officers ride in pairs for this very reason. While one officer tends to the stopped motorists, the other one is getting description and tag number of violators. Oh, and in case you didn't know, some cop cars are equipped with cameras.

Tips & Warnings

• Obey the law. Put that cell phone down so you can safely operate your vehicle.
• Don't get distracted. Always pay attention to your surroundings.
• Judges have decided they will not throw the ticket out or drop the charges just because you haven't heard of the law. As a driver, it is your responsibility to know all applicable driving regulations.
• Drive carefully at all times. The life you save could be your own.

Resources

• Georgia's Move Over Law - Avoid a Ticket, Save a Life
• How to Clear the Road for Emergency Vehicles
• How to Know When to Stop For a School Bus
• How to Create a Car Emergency Kit

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 8/19/2008 good information to know about. thank you