Photo: WBZ NewsRadio
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — The Massachusetts Senate has voted unanimously to expand the move-over traffic law in the Commonwealth.
As it stands, the move-over law requires you to pull your vehicle over to the side of the road when you see an emergency vehicle with flashing lights passing by.
With this expansion, the move-over law will apply to any vehicle on the side of the highway with flashing lights or a burning flare.
Mass. Sen. Brendan Crighton said that this law expansion is meant to keep those stopped on the road safer, especially with what he feels is an increase in unpredictable drivers.
“I continue to see more distracted driving since COVID, we've had an increase in serious and fatal accidents, people just not paying attention behind the wheel,” Crighton said.
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He explained that this is meant to protect police officers, emergency personal, and even civilians that are on the side of the road waiting for service.
“Anyone who’s popped a tire on the side of the road kind of knows that feeling of cars flying by you know your car is shaking really an unsafe position to be in on a busy roadway,” he said. “Hopefully this can change behavior, keep both our drivers safe but also our law enforcement and first responders and our utility workers as well.”
The expansion would also increase fines for violators and require awareness training for repeat offenders. The proposal has now been sent to the Massachusetts House to vote on.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Mike Macklin reports.