PA Turnpike Commission Urges Drivers to ‘Move Over, Slow Down, Save Lives’ at National Move Over Day Events
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) implored drivers to understand their responsibility to keep others safe – on and off the roadway – at events held during National Move Over Day on Saturday, October 17.
PA Turnpike volunteers along with Pennsylvania State Police troopers and various local and state partners met with customers at New Stanton, Sideling Hill, Highspire, King of Prussia, and Hickory Run Service Plazas. The events were held to help drivers learn about Pennsylvania's Move Over Law and the importance of slowing down and moving over for emergency responders, roadside workers and disabled motorists.
“Every day, police, firefighters, EMS crews, tow operators and our maintenance workers put themselves at risk while working along our roadway,” Commission Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey said. “Whether you are traveling across the state or commuting daily, practicing safe habits behind the wheel saves lives and ensures everyone returns home safely at the end of the day.”
Drivers have a critical responsibility to make safe decisions and remain aware of their surroundings. It is estimated that two responders in Pennsylvania are killed while working at roadside every year.
Previously known as the Steer Clear law, the 2020 Move Over Law directs drivers to move into an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so or slow down at least 20 mph under the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency response area – signaled by flashing lights, flares, caution signs or other control devices indicating the presence of police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks or utility workers.
Violating the law can result in fines up to $2,000, license suspension for repeat offenses, and possible jail time if someone is injured or killed. Beyond penalties, failing to comply puts lives at risk.
To reduce opportunities for a careless action that could create disastrous effects, drivers should:
- Drive distraction-free
- Move over or slow down
- Maintain a proper driving distance
- Follow all laws and regulations
- Use caution when you see green lights on vehicles
- Take the New Driver Safety Work Zone Course
The PA Turnpike partners with TIM Heros, Inc. to raise awareness and educate the public about roadway safety and laws pertaining to sharing the road. Working in tandem with the Tyler Laudenslager Foundation – named after a young man who was struck and killed by a distracted driver – the PA Turnpike supports events, including “National Move Over Day” and “Light Up the Night” at the Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Guests at the service plaza events had a chance to meet the people who help keep Pennsylvania’s roadways safe, see emergency response and PA Turnpike vehicles and equipment up close, take the Safe Driving Pledge and participate in safety activities. They also had a chance to take home educational materials and family-friendly giveaways.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: 267-408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: 717-870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com