SAFEGUARDING STOPPED VEHICLES ON FLORIDA HIGHWAYS
Download These Books Today ! YOUR LEGAL RESOURCE It may be hard to imagine a time when a paramedic or firefighter rescuing an accident victim along a highway could be held at fault for getting hit by oncoming traffic. However, that was the state of affairs less than 30 years ago before all 50 states started enacting Move Over laws. The problem came to light after a paramedic was held legally at fault after being hit while rescuing a patient on the side of the road. Growing problems with distracted driving are fueling the trend. Florida state police data show drivers’ failure to follow the Move Over law caused 176 accidents in 2023, including nine serious injuries. Motorists on Florida highways face expanded legal requirements this year to move over a lane or slow down significantly when passing emergency or stopped vehicles along the side of the road. The Florida law, which took effect Jan. 1, is part of a national trend toward broadening “Move Over” laws to protect a wider range of stopped vehicles. Florida’s original law required drivers to move over a lane or slow down for tow trucks, first responders, and other emergency vehicles. The state’s revised legislation expands these protections to cover any disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, emergency flares, or signage, including utility service vehicles and garbage trucks.
Despite nationwide adoption of Move Over laws, only about 30% of drivers are aware of them, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Here’s what you need to know as a Florida driver:
• Ignorance is no defense! You cannot avoid a conviction under Florida’s Move Over law by pleading that you didn’t know about it. • When any vehicle with flashing lights or emergency flares or signage is parked alongside the highway, move over a lane. • If you are unable to move over safely or are driving on a two-lane road, slow your speed by 20 mph. If you are already in a low-speed zone, slow down by 5 mph. • The penalty for violating the law is typically a $60–$158 fine, with fines as high as $500 for extreme cases. If you are cited for a Move Over violation, a skilled car accident attorney can help with your defense by looking for technical mistakes in the citation and gathering evidence in your favor, such as weather or bodycam data that may show that pulling over would have been unsafe. We are available to assist you with your defense.
Cooking With Ashley
Hearty Lentil Soup
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Warm, hearty, and brimming with flavor, this lentil soup is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
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2 cups dry lentils
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2 tbsp olive oil
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6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
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1 onion, diced
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme
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2 carrots, diced
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1 bay leaf
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2 celery stalks, diced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes. 3. Stir in lentils, vegetable broth, thyme, and bay leaf, and bring to a simmer. 4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. 5. Discard the bay leaf and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot and enjoy!
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