Tennessee Traffic law
February 29, 2012 | in My Kind of Driving
July 7, 2006, Governor Phil Bredesen, the Tennessee Departments of Safety and Transportation, the Governor’s Highway Safety Office, Tennessee Trucking Association and local law enforcement agencies across the state kicked off a campaign to educate drivers about the newly increased fines for violating the move over law. “The Move Over Law is simple common sense and courtesy. When approaching a stopped emergency responder or maintenance worker on the side of the road, move over or slow down”, said Bredesen. “Moving over not only makes sense; it could save a life. I’m happy to support increased fines for those who violate the law and place our first responders, and the people they help, in harm’s way.””Today, violating the Move Over Law is much more costly. A move over citation will cost you up to $500 and could land you in jail for 30 days”, stated TDOT Commissioner and Interim Department of Safety Commissioner Gerald Nicely. ” But, no fine will ever compare to the burden of knowing you killed or disabled someone because you didn’t move over or slow down.” Representative Fowlkes added, “When we passed the Move Over Law in 2003, we cleared a major hurdle. Now, we’re raising the bar. It is my hope that the increased penalties will deter more drivers from violating the law and in turn save more lives.”
Trooper Todd Larkins was killed on July 8, 2005 as he worked along I-40 in Dickson County. Just weeks before Trooper Larkins’ fatal incident, Trooper Rodney Redmon narrowly escaped serious injury when he was struck by a move over violator.
“I’m lucky. I survived being struck by a car. If it had been a larger vehicle that hit me, I would not be here talking today”, Redmond stated. “Move over violators are playing Russian roulette with people’s lives, and I’m going to do everything I can to stop them.”
As part of this effort, TDOT’s Governor’s Highway Safety Office has arranged for broadcast spots to be played on radio stations around the state.
“The Move Over Law protects emergency workers but also, indirectly, the drivers who have breakdowns”, stated Governor’s Highway Safety Office Director Kendall Poole. ” Breakdowns can be dangerous for everyone involved if other drivers are not paying attention. So remember, it could be you on the side of the roadway. Be courteous and MOVE OVER to keep everyone safe.”
TDOT has placed MOVE OVER signs along interstates across Tennessee. They will be updated to warn drivers about increased fines for violators. TDOT will also display information about the law and the new, higher penalties on overhead dynamic message boards in Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis when possible for a limited period of time. The Tennessee Trucking Association is joining the effort by placing more decals on the rear doors of tractor-trailers. <http://www.tn.gov/safety/newsreleases/2006/moveover0706.shtml>
