A reminder regarding California’s “Move Over” law which tells drivers they must move over if safe to do so, or slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans’ vehicles and to “Slow for the Cone Zone.” These laws were enacted to reduce the number of car accidents and wrongful death injuries on California roadways.
The Move Over law is intended to reduce the number of roadway accident causing injuries and fatalities that occur involving those working on our roadways such as Caltrans’ workers, California Highway Patrol or emergency vehicles. This law was implemented after a deadly summer in which three Caltrans highway workers died on the job within forty-eight days. Since 1924, 178 Caltrans workers have lost their lives in the line of duty.
The Move Over Law requires if driving on a freeway and approaching a lane immediately adjacent to a stationary emergency vehicle, tow truck or CalTrans vehicle displaying emergency lights, drivers must move over to a freeway lane not immediately adjacent to the official vehicle; if unable to move to another lane, motorists are required to slow down. Given the new CalTrans vehicle provision, the law is now the Move Over, Slow Down law.
The California Department of Transportation also implemented the “Slow for the Cone Zone” campaign to reminder drivers on how to travel safely through maintenance and construction work zones. Motorists can avoid deadly roadway accidents by remembering the following work zone safety tips.
- Do not speed in work zones; obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers; drive with caution.
- Don’t change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts, and merge when directed to do so.
- Be Patient!
If you or your loved one was injured as a result in a Riverside or San Diego roadway accident, please contact our office for a free consultation with one of our experienced car accident injury lawyers. If the negligence of a driver failing to abide by these laws caused injury or death of a family member we can help to establish your case. Contact our lawyers at the San Diego office at 619-512-5995 or Riverside Office at 951-200-4630.