Alpharetta Police Warns Motorist To Obey 'Move Over' Law

Editor's note: the following was submitted by the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety.

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Did you know that, according to FBI statistics, traffic crashes claim the lives of more police personnel in the line of duty than any other cause of death, including shootings?

That's according to the Alpharetta Department of Public Safety, who wants you to know why so-called Move-Over laws are essential to keeping the roads safe for law enforcement personnel.

These laws were passed in the aftermath of growing numbers of police, emergency technicians and Department of Transportation workers being killed during routine traffic stops, crash responses and highway construction projects around the nation.

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In an effort to prevent the loss of life of our first responders and motorists who use our roadways, Georgia enacted its own Move Over law in 2003. Today, more than 42 states have enacted similar legislation.

Georgia’s Move Over law requires motorists to move over one lane when approaching any authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck or highway construction vehicle. By moving over one lane, motorists leave the lane adjacent to the authorized vehicles clear.

If a motorist cannot safely move over one lane, state law requires the motorist to slow down to a reasonable speed for the existing traffic and safety conditions that is lower than the posted speed limit. Motorists should be prepared to stop.

By understanding and complying with Georgia’s Move Over Law, we protect those who serve us and we make our roadways safer for all Georgians.

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