AAA Carolinas: Obey Move Over Law During Holiday Travel
The Officer Quick Act Takes Effect on Sunday
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (November 26, 2019) – AAA Carolinas is urging motorists to slow down and move over when they see flashing lights alongside the roadways during holiday travel.
The Move Over Law was adopted in North Carolina nearly two decades ago and requires motorists to move over one lane when possible when emergency crews, law enforcement and utility technicians are parked are on the side of the road for an emergency. State lawmakers toughened the penalties for violations this year, making it a felony for the person breaking the law if someone is seriously injured or killed. The Officer Quick Act effect on Sunday, Dec. 1.
“We want first responders, our tow truck operators and service technicians who risk their lives responding to roadside emergencies at all times of the day and night to be as safe as possible,” said George Figueiredo, AAA Carolinas Vice President of Automotive Services. “With holiday travel in full swing and the stricter penalties for violators taking effect on Sunday, it’s the perfect time to remind motorists to slow down and move over.”
Penalties for violations that don’t result in any injuries are still $250 if there is no property damage or up to six months in jail if property damage occurs or there is a moderate injury by failing to move over.
“This holiday season, we are grateful for those who help keep us safe but we must to our part to protect them, by obeying the move over law, staying focused while driving and avoiding distractions behind the wheel,” added Figueiredo.
Since 2007, AAA has been instrumental in passing Move Over laws across the U.S. All 50 states now have the law on the books, however, according to a recent survey 71 percent of Americans are unaware of the law.
AAA Carolinas estimates a record 1.34 million North Carolinians and 678,000 South Carolinians will hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Last year over the Thanksgiving holiday, AAA Carolinas rescued nearly 8,400 motorists with the primary reasons being dead batteries, flat tires and lockouts.