Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a bill that expands Florida’s Move Over Law, offering increased protection for roadside workers. The new law will come into effect on January 1, 2024, and aims to enhance safety for tow operators, truckers, and other individuals working on the side of the road.
Understanding the Expanded Florida Move Over Law
Previously, Florida’s Move Over Law mandated drivers to move over or slow down when passing stopped law enforcement, sanitation and utility service vehicles, emergency responders, wreckers or tow trucks, and construction or maintenance vehicles with displayed warning lights that don’t have channelizing devices or advanced signs.
The recently signed HB 425 bill expands the law to include all broken-down vehicles, not just those stopped for emergency responders and law enforcement. As a result, the new legislation requires motorists to move over in three additional scenarios:
- In the event of a disabled motor vehicle being stationary and exhibiting warning or hazard lights.
- In cases where a vehicle is halted and employing emergency flares or presenting emergency signs.
- If a vehicle is at a standstill and one or more individuals can be clearly seen.
Drivers who are unable to change lanes or are on a two-lane street should reduce their speed to a level that is at least 20 mph below the indicated speed limit.
The Importance of the Expanded Florida Move Over Law
Florida holds the third position nationally for deaths involving individuals killed outside an incapacitated vehicle, with 112 fatalities documented between 2016 and 2020. Nonetheless, a AAA study reveals that almost 25% of drivers remain uninformed about move-over regulations. Non-compliance with this law may lead to non-moving violation points on one’s driving license and penalties reaching $158.
Enhancing Florida’s Move Over Law plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of roadside personnel and drivers alike. By heightening consciousness and encouraging prudent driving habits, these initiatives help decrease the frequency of collisions and casualties on Florida’s highways.
Integrating LITGEAR’s Illuminated Tow Truck Vest with the Enhanced Move-Over Law
LITGEAR’s groundbreaking Class 3 ANSI-approved Vest is a high-visibility, breakaway safety vest specifically tailored for tow truck operators, truck drivers, and other roadside professionals. Equipped with fiber optic illuminated strips, this vest guarantees optimal visibility in all-weather situations, protecting roadside workers as they navigate through highway traffic.
These illuminated strips are powered by USB-rechargeable batteries, requiring only 1.5 hours to charge fully and delivering 8 to 10 hours of continuous operation. Additionally, the vest features customizable illuminated ID panels, making it adaptable to various occupations. For any custom ID panel requests, feel free to reach out to LitGear.
The synergy between LITGEAR’s state-of-the-art safety vest and Florida’s broadened Move Over Law marks a major stride in ensuring the security of both roadside employees and drivers. By enhancing visibility and raising awareness, these combined efforts play a crucial role in lowering the incidence of accidents and fatalities on Florida’s highways.
We hope this article has been helpful in elucidating the specifics of Florida’s Enhanced Move Over Law and its integral role in safeguarding roadside personnel. Feel free to reach out to LitGear if you have any questions regarding its Illuminated Tow Truck Vest or how it can be utilized in your fleet. Together, we can take steps toward ensuring the safety of everyone on the road. Stay safe out there!
Source: https://towindustryweek.com/