Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Hosts Successful Move Over Day Event

MIDDLETOWN, PA – Community members, state Legislators, roadway safety advocates and first responders joined the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, TIM Heroes, Inc., and the Tyler Laudenslager Foundation for their first Move Over Day Event on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. 

Prioritizing the safety of all Pennsylvanians and recognizing the bravery of first responders, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation earlier this month officially recognizing October 19, 2024 as Move Over Day. Additionally, Pennsylvania State House Representative Tom Mehaffie and State Senator Doug Mastriano, one of the original Slow Down, Move Over Law sponsors, introduced recognition resolutions and provided remarks at the event.  

“Safety is incorporated into everything we do at the Pennsylvania Turnpike,” said Tom Macchione, Director of Traffic Engineering & Operations for the PA Turnpike. “It’s in our mission, vision, values and daily operations. But, we can’t do that alone. That’s why events like this, are critical to helping us educate and raise awareness about safety measures such as the Move Over Law. Slowing down or changing lanes provides extra space between moving traffic and emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and road maintenance crews allowing them to work safely and return home to their families at the end of the day.”  

Todd Leiss, founder of TIM Heroes, noted that, on average, two Pennsylvania responders are killed every year while working at the roadside – including one already in 2024.  

"By Moving Over for emergency responders and roadway workers, we can help those that help us every day so they can go home safely to their families,” Leiss said. 

Beyond the event, Leiss coordinated several bridge lights to support National Move Over Day. The Benjamin Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia, the Lower Trenton Bridge, the Northampton Street Bridge between Easton, PA and Philipsburg, NJ and the PECO Crown Lights in Philadelphia all shined yellow to commemorate the day.  

Jack Sullivan, director of training for the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, also joined Leiss and Macchione for remarks.  

All 50 states have a Move Over Law. Pennsylvania’s Steer Clear law went into effect in 2008, and the law was enhanced in 2021 changing the name to the Move Over Law. The law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to Move Over into an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, or slow down to a speed of not more than 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.   

Emergency response areas are indicated by flashing lights, flares, caution signs or other control devices indicating the presence of police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, utility workers or disabled motorists.  

Failure to comply could yield fines of up to $500 for first-time offenders, with penalties doubled for additional violations. 

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. 

Media Contacts:  

Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com   

Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com