On October 2, Governor Kathy Hochul signed Move Over legislation into law thereby expanding New York’s Slow Down/Move Over requirement. The expansion includes disabled vehicles that are parked on the shoulder of a controlled access highway or parkway, requiring drivers to exercise caution when approaching a disabled vehicle.
The legislation (S5129-A/A1077-A) was sponsored by State Senator Lea Webb, 52nd Senate District, and Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski, Assembly District 96.
According to New York State law, drivers must use due care, reduce speed, and when possible, move from the lane, when approaching flashing emergency lights, including law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service operators, and other maintenance workers who are stopped along roadways. The expansion of the law extends these safety protections to any motor vehicle that is parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway, increasing safety and saving the lives of New Yorkers.
“Until now, the Slow Down/Move Over Law has helped keep first responders and roadside workers safe, but expanding this law to disabled vehicles will further improve safety on our roads. Requiring drivers to move over for any disabled vehicle will decrease the chances of a collision, making roads safer for everyone,” said Assemblyman Kenneth Zebrowski.
At least 17 other states, including Maryland and Connecticut, already have laws enacted to protect stranded drivers from being struck on the roadside. Similar legislation was signed earlier this year by the Governor of Rhode Island.
According to AAA analysis of data obtained from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 1,703 people were struck while outside of a disabled vehicle in the U.S. from 2016-2020. 37 of those were fatalities that occurred in New York State.
“AAA has worked tirelessly to educate lawmakers and the public about the importance of protecting individuals on the roadside. With drivers increasing their speed, more distracted driving and more impaired driving occurring on our roads, this new law will help save lives,” said John Corlett, spokesperson for AAA Northeast.
The new law will go into effect in 180 days.
Provided information
