Officers from the Dalton Police Department are reporting that they're still having trouble with motorists violating Georgia's "Move Over Law".
Georgia Code 40-6-16 requires motorists approaching emergency vehicles (such as police cars or ambulances) pulled over on the shoulder of the road must 1) male a lane change into a lane not next to the emergency vehicle when more than one lane is present and it's safe to do so, OR, 2) slow down and pass the emergency vehicle at a speed below the posted speed limit.
This law was enacted to protect the lives of police officers, firefighters, paramedics, tow truck operators, road maintenance workers and also other motorists. The annual Law Enforcement Officer Fatality Research Bulletin released in December reported that the number of officers killed when struck by vehicles went up 16 percent in 2010.
Under Georgia law, the fine for violating the "Move Over Law" is a fine of up to $500. For your safety and ours, please remember to move over when you approach emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
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