"Move Over Law" – Motorcycle Safety Tips
In Recent News: A motorcyclist was "ejected" from his bike and propelled into the back of a Road Ranger truck stopped on the side of the highway, and his motorcycle hit the back of an SUV the Road Ranger was assisting. As the investigation is pending, there may be a question of whether another vehicle caused the biker to hit the Road Ranger's stopped vehicle. Tragically, the biker died as a result of the crash and the Road Ranger himself (sitting in the truck) may have catastrophic or life-threatening injuries.
Florida Statute 316.126 (Paraphrased)
"If an authorized emergency vehicle, sanitation vehicle, utility service vehicle, wrecker, road, bridge maintenance, construction vehicle, or a disabled vehicle is stopped on the side of the road displaying warning lights or hazard lights … the driver of every other vehicle, as soon as it is safe shall "vacate" the lane closest to such vehicles when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle.
If such movement cannot be safely accomplished, the driver shall slow to a speed limit 20 mph less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 mph or greater or slow down to five (5) mph when the posted speed limit is 20 mph or less, except when otherwise directed by law enforcement officer. A violation may result in a traffic infraction, punishable as a "moving violation" with related fine and points added to your driver's record."
As a motorcyclist, we must be extra alert, attentive and watchful of our surroundings and must move over (or reduce our speed if we cannot move over). We must also have "situational awareness" as we are extremely "vulnerable" to hazards – sometimes faced with multiple hazards at the same time. This is especially true in rush hour or congested traffic situations. By following the rules, we considerably increase our chances of keeping ourselves and others alive. Additionally, a violation of the law results in a fine and points on your driver's license, which can lead to other consequences.
By having situational awareness and following the "Move Over Law", we significantly reduce risks of being involved in a crash, towards protecting ourselves, our emergency responders and many others.
Brad Souders, a lifetime biker, an award-winning attorney with more than 30 years' experience – A Biker Representing Bikers!
Attorney Brad Souders has a main office in Tampa, representing injured bikers and their families throughout the state of Florida.
Free Initial Consultations, also offering home, hospital & evening or weekend appointments. Simply call Brad's cell phone at 813-220-7767.