An Open Letter Reminding You About NY’s Move Over Law

A New York State Police patrol vehicle with a 23-year veteran inside was struck by a tractor trailer Tuesday night. The trooper suffered minor injuries.

On Tuesday evening, a trooper had just issued a traffic ticket to a vehicle on State Route 17 in the town of Nichols. The trooper stepped inside his marked patrol vehicle and was waiting for the vehicle he had stopped to pull out into traffic safely when a tractor trailer struck him from behind, shearing off most of the driver’s side. The tractor trailer did not stop.

Police, troopers, paramedics, firemen, all put their lives on the line to keep us safe. The law is in place for a reason.

Not familiar with the law? Here's a little refresher thanks to AAA:

"Drivers traveling in the same direction must exercise due care, include moving from a lane immediately adjacent, and reducing speed, to avoid colliding with a vehicle parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder or any portion of the highway when the vehicle is an authorized emergency response, tow truck, or maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing."

Whenever there is an emergency vehicle (or, even a tow truck,) pull over!

It's really a simple concept. More importantly, IT IS THE LAW.