Connecticut’s “Move Over” Law Is More Critical Than Ever

In the last few months there have been a series of accidents or near-accidents in the state of Connecticut that have resulted in law enforcement officers reminding motorists about the state’s “move over” law.  The law is designed to help limit the number of Connecticut auto accidents that involve first responders who are pulled over helping a vehicle in need.   

As a refresher, motorists are required by law to safely move over from the lane they are in to the next lane over if there is a broken down vehicle with a first responder tending to their needs in the lane they are traveling in.  As police officers, firefighters, and EMTs are responding to stranded motorists it is important that they are confident that their safety is not at risk.

If you are traveling down a highway and notice that there is a broken down vehicle ahead with a first responder attending to it, you should take the following steps.

1. Slow down.  While you should not come to a full stop, slowing down will give you the amount of time you need to make an informed decision about what to do next.

2. Look in your rearview and side mirrors to see if you’ll be able to safely change lanes.

3. If the path is clear to change lanes, use your turn signal to indicate your lane change and make and smooth transition between your current lane to the lane next to yours.

4. Once you are safely in the lane maintain a safe speed as you pass the broken down vehicle.

5. If you are unable to change lanes safely, you must slow down and pass the vehicles in your lane with caution.

There are “move over” laws in all 50 states in the United States now, so when you are traveling out of state you should follow these steps as well.  In recent months there have been an uptick in incidents involving broken down vehicles and first responders who are attending to these incidents.  When a first responder is on the scene, not only do you owe it to her/him to proceed with caution, but it is also the law.

Taking good care as you travel on the roads of our state is important to not getting into a Connecticut auto accident.  It is also important to follow this law so that no law enforcement or first responders get injured in an accident as they are performing the duties of their job.  

If, despite your best efforts, you find yourself in a situation where you are involved in an accident that occurred with a broken down vehicle on the side of the road, you may need an attorney to review your case.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will do just that.