Move Over! Tractor Hits NY State Police Car Hit During Traffic Stop

Move Over!

I'm always amazed when other drivers don't immediately try to pull over when they see or hear emergency vehicles approaching them.

As soon as I hear the sound of sirens, even faintly, I start looking around nervously for a fast-moving cop car, firetruck, or ambulance. Perhaps it's just instinct, or maybe it's common courtesy.
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The same can be said about drivers who don't move over at least one lane if they see a police car tending to another vehicle on the side of the road.

Incident on Monday Involving the NYSP

The New York State Police sent a reminder to "Move Over" after a tractor-trailer struck a trooper's vehicle on I-390 in Dansville, south of Rochester in central New York.

The State Police say the incident happened while a Trooper conducted a traffic stop. Thankfully, the Trooper was outside the vehicle then, and no injuries were reported.

This incident is a stark reminder of the importance of traffic safety and the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency and highway vehicles stopped roadside.

What is New York's "Move Over" Law?

According to the New York State Thruway Authority, "as soon as you see lights, vests or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe."

• Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency or hazard vehicle, including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.
• In 2023, the Move Over Law was expanded, requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes.
• The Move Over Law applies to both sides of the roadway, not just the shoulder on the right.