posted July 7, 2006
Nashville - Gov. 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 on Friday 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 Gov. 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.”
The Move Over campaign kicked off today with five news conferences across the state in Bristol, Chattanooga, Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis. Increased fines for violators took effect Saturday, July 1.
“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.”
In 2003, Tennessee became the thirtieth state in the nation to enact a Move Over Law. Senator Doug Jackson and Representative Joe Fowlkes sponsored the initial law and this year pushed for increased fines for violators. “With the increase in penalties, we’ve put some real teeth into the move over law,” said Senator Jackson.
“I’ve seen first hand how the deaths of two of my constituents, Trooper Todd Larkins and Metro Officer Christie Dedman, affected their communities. I want to do all I can to keep other families from experiencing such a loss.”
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.”
Since the Move Over Law took effect in July 2004, three public servants have been killed by move over law violators in Tennessee and all three were killed during the month of July.
Tennessee Highway Patrol Colonel Mike Walker attended four of today’s press events and reminded attendees that being struck by a vehicle is the third leading cause of death for law enforcement officials.
“Since the law took effect in 2004, we’ve lost three dedicated public servants during the month of July. I do not want to bury another co-worker and friend. I do not want to tell another family their loved one was killed by a careless driver. The Tennessee Highway Patrol will be aggressively enforcing the law and will have Troopers across the state on the look out for Move Over violators this weekend.”
Trooper Todd Larkins was killed on July 8, 2005 as he worked along I-40 in Dickson County. His widow, Alicia Larkins, told onlookers, “Tomorrow will mark one year since the death of my husband. He was killed in the line of duty, not by a gun, but by a careless driver. My life will never be the same. His daughter’s life will never be the same. But Todd would want something good to come from his death, so I will continue to fight for increased penalties for those who violate the Move Over Law.”
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.
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