If you’ve ever broken down on the highway, you know how unsettling it is to be stranded on the side of the road. Other motorists might whiz past you, sometimes within just a few yards of your car. For roadside workers, including towing companies, this danger is an everyday occurrence. The problem becomes even more disconcerting when visibility and road conditions are poor, or when workers need to exit their vehicle. Fortunately, legislators and law enforcement are taking measures to protect the public. Below, learn about the “Move Over” law in North Carolina and how it helps drivers. 

What Is a “Move Over” Law?  

Since 2002, North Carolina has enforced a “Move Over” law, or General Statute 20-157, that requires drivers to slow down and change lanes if they approach an emergency vehicle parked on the side of a multi-lane highway. As long as it’s safe to do so, motorists should move one lane over from emergency vehicles that have their lights flashing. By exercising caution, motorists can prevent collisions and protect police officers, state troopers, paramedics, firefighters, tow truck drivers, garbage collectors, and utility workers, who regularly have to park on the road shoulder.  

What Happens If Drivers Violate the Mandate? 

Drivers should only switch lanes if they can do so safely. If they can’t reasonably change lanes without putting themselves or someone else at risk, they can maintain their course but must slow down significantly.  

Violating this statute could result in an automatic $500 fine plus court fees. If an officer or crew member is injured as a result of the driver’s negligence, the driver could be charged with a felony and face 10 to 41 months of prison time, even if their record is otherwise clean. 

How Does This New Legislation Keep the Public Safe? 

About 200 workers die every year because of a roadside collision, according to AAA and the National Traffic Incident Management Coalition. Among these workers, tow truck drivers face some of the direst circumstances. However, these injuries are preventable. Today, every state has enacted a version of the “Move Over” law, and, as more people learn about driving safety, roadside conditions get progressively safer. If you pass a vehicle on the shoulder of a highway, slow down, give it a wide berth, and switch to a nonadjacent lane if possible. Following these simple precautions could save someone’s life and help you avoid unnecessary suffering.  

If you get a flat tire on the highway or suffer a breakdown, get to safety and call a local towing company. They’ll have flares, flashing lights, and other ways of notifying drivers to proceed carefully, and they can help you transport your vehicle to a secure location. To request a tow in Thomasville, NC, turn to Garrett's Towing & Recovery Service. They provide 24-hour roadside assistance and have proudly served the area since 1969. Visit their website to learn more about towing cars, SUVs, trucks, and heavy-duty commercial vehicles, or call (336) 476-3153 for more information.