Police Ask Maryland Drivers to 'Move Over' on Roads

After two recent incidents where a Maryland State Police patrol car and a trooper were struck on the roadways, a statewide traffic operation will be put into effect to remind drivers about the "move over" law.

State troopers will conduct coordinated traffic initiatives on Monday in every area of the state to ensure drivers are observing an extra barrier of safety for personnel working on Maryland roads, according to a police press release.
 
The "move over" law requires drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with its lights activated to change into an available lane so drivers are not next to the emergency vehicle. If there is no available lane to move over, drivers should decrease speed and carefully pass.

The initiative comes after Trooper Jacqueline Kline was struck while she was assisting another trooper on the shoulder of Route 100 in Anne Arundel County on Oct. 6. Police said the preliminary investigation indicates the driver failed to move over as he passed and Kline remains hospitalized in critical condition. 

More recently, a patrol car was struck while Trooper First Class Justin Updegraff was investigating a crash on I-695 in Baltimore County on Oct. 12. Police said the driver passing the scene failed to move over or slow down but Updegraff was outside his vehicle when it was struck and was not injured.

Violating the "move over" law is a primary offense with a fine that can range from $110 up to $750 if the violation contributes to a crash resulting in injury or death, according to police.