The Maryland State Police is conducting a safety initiative called “Move Over March” in Western Maryland, in light of an accident that occurred last Tuesday, March 1, 2016.

A Maryland Transportation Authority officer was hit by a car as he stood on the shoulder of the road, talking to two people. He was taken to Maryland Shock Trauma Center with non-life threatening injuries and, released later that night­.

The “Move Over” law requires drivers, approaching from the rear of an emergency vehicle using visual signals while stopped on the highway, to make a lane change into an available lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle when it is safe to do so. The law was expanded to included tow truck drivers in 2014. Police issued 8,000 citations once that change was made, officials said.

A violation of the law is a primary offense, with a fine of $110 and one point added to your license. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash, the fine is $150 and an addition of three points to your license. If the violation contributes to a traffic crash resulting in serious injury or death, the fine is $750 and an addition of three points to your license.

The act of moving over should only be executed if there is an available lane, and it can be done so safely. If it is not reasonably possible to move over, the law requires drivers to slow to a reasonable speed, safe for existing weather, and for road, vehicular and pedestrian traffic conditions.

It is imperative to stay current with recent traffic law changes as to avoid the legal and/or dangerous consequences of a violation. For more information on the “Move Over” law or other traffic safety matters, contact the traffic law professionals at Azrael, Franz, Schwab & Lipowitz today.