One of the most common causes of serious car accidents in Florida is drivers colliding with vehicles stopped alongside the road. To address this issue, state officials are ramping up efforts to educate the public about the dangers of failing to move over and the life-saving importance of safe driving habits.
“Getting everyone home safe is a shared mission that goes beyond engineering and enforcement. We need your help in making smart and safe decisions when you get behind the wheel,” said Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E., in a statement published by Lake Okeechobee News. “As we start a new year, make a resolution to help protect our emergency responders and stranded motorists by moving over a lane when you see them and refrain from distracted driving. Help make everyone’s 2025 happy and safe.”
While public safety efforts can reduce accidents, they can’t prevent every crash. If you or a loved one has been injured by a negligent driver, consulting a Florida car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Florida Educates Drivers About ‘Move Over Law’ Campaign
Several state agencies have joined forces to raise awareness about Florida’s “Move Over” law and its crucial role in preventing roadside accidents. Participating organizations include:
- Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
- Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV)
- Florida Highway Patrol (FHP)
- Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA)
- Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA)
- AAA—The Auto Club Group
“By understanding and respecting the move-over law, every driver can contribute to a safer environment,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner in a recent statement. “Safely changing lanes or slowing down when passing stopped vehicles not only protects lives but also reinforces our collective commitment to road safety. State Troopers have zero tolerance for these dangerous violations and will take enforcement action when a violation is observed.”
FHP Colonel Gary Howze II echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of driver responsibility: “Safety is a shared responsibility. The Move Over Law emphasizes the important role each of us plays when we are behind the wheel.”
What Is Florida’s ‘Move Over Law’?
Every state has some version of a “Move Over” law, but Florida’s law—established in 1971—was one of the earliest in the nation. Initially, the law required drivers to move over or yield only for emergency vehicles stopped on the roadside for urgent response purposes.
Over the years, Florida Statute 316.126 has been expanded to offer greater protection to workers and motorists:
- 2014: Sanitation and utility vehicles were added to the list of protected roadside vehicles.
- 2021: Construction and bridge maintenance vehicles displaying warning lights were included.
- 2024: The law was updated to cover all disabled vehicles stopped along the side of the road.
Florida’s ongoing revisions to the Move Over Law reflect the state’s commitment to preventing roadside tragedies. However, despite these protections, many drivers still fail to move over or slow down, putting lives at risk.
‘Move Over’ Safety Tips For Drivers
In addition to raising awareness about Florida’s “Move Over Law,” this month’s educational campaign emphasizes essential safety tips for both drivers approaching stopped vehicles and those who must pull over themselves.
For Drivers Approaching Stopped Vehicles:
- Be alert: Watch for parked or disabled vehicles along the roadside.
- Be cautious: Approach disabled or emergency vehicles with care.
- Stay focused: Avoid distractions that can take your attention off the road.
- Look for lights: Flashing lights often signal the presence of emergency responders or stopped vehicles.
- Assess traffic: Check your surroundings before changing lanes—never move over without ensuring it’s safe.
- Move over: When possible, shift lanes to give stopped vehicles more space.
- Slow down: If changing lanes isn’t safe, slow down by at least 20 mph if the speed limit is over 25 mph. If the limit is 25 mph or lower, reduce your speed to 5 mph—it’s the law in Florida.
For Drivers of Stopped Vehicles:
- Be seen: Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Be safe: Avoid unnecessary risks when stopping on the side of the road.
- Look before exiting: Ensure it’s safe before stepping out of your vehicle.
- Stay off the road: Don’t walk into traffic or park in a travel lane.
- Call for help: If you need a tow, contact roadside assistance immediately.
- Stay in the vehicle if necessary: If it’s unsafe to exit, remain inside your vehicle until help arrives.
By following these guidelines, drivers can help prevent roadside accidents and keep Florida’s highways safer for everyone.
The Consequences of Ignoring Florida’s Move Over Law
Failing to follow Florida’s Move Over Law can have serious consequences—not just for those pulled over but for the drivers who fail to slow down or change lanes. Accidents involving stopped vehicles often result in severe injuries, including head trauma, spinal cord damage, and fatalities. These crashes frequently affect emergency responders, tow truck operators, and stranded motorists who have no choice but to stop on the side of the road.
Beyond the risk of causing a catastrophic accident, drivers who violate the Move Over Law face legal and financial penalties:
- Fines and points: Violating the Move Over Law can result in costly fines and points added to your driving record, which may increase your insurance premiums.
- Civil liability: If your failure to move over causes an accident, you may be held liable for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for the injured party.
- Criminal charges: In severe cases involving serious injury or death, you could face criminal charges.
Respecting the Move Over Law isn’t just about avoiding penalties—it’s about saving lives and preventing unnecessary tragedies. Staying alert and following the rules can make a life-changing difference for roadside workers and fellow drivers.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a driver who ignored the law, you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. A skilled Florida car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Rights After a Roadside Accident in Palm Beach County
Despite public safety efforts and strict laws designed to prevent roadside crashes, far too many accidents still occur due to drivers failing to move over or slow down. These incidents often have devastating consequences for emergency responders, stranded motorists, and other innocent victims. Whether it’s a distracted driver who didn’t notice flashing lights or someone speeding past a stopped vehicle, the impact can be life-changing.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a roadside collision, you deserve experienced legal support. A Palm Beach County car accident lawyer at the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. can guide you through every step of the legal process. With years of experience and proven results—including an $8.2 million recovery for a car accident injury victim—Mr. Shomo and his dedicated legal team know how to take on insurance companies and fight for the maximum compensation accident victims deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. Contact the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. today for a free case review with a car accident attorney who will put your best interests first. We proudly handle car accident claims throughout Palm Beach County and are ready to help you get your life back on track.
“I am incredibly grateful for Casey Shomo and his fantastic team.” – Gavin M., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐