Governor Hochul Signs Senator Webb's "Move Over Bill" to Enhance Traffic Safety in New York

(SENATE DISTRICT 52) On September 29th, 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul took a significant step towards improving traffic safety across the state of New York by signing the "Move Over Bill" (S.5129/A.1077) into law. Sponsored by Senator Lea Webb, this legislation aims to enhance the existing Move Over Law, extending its protective measures to all vehicles stopped on the roadway.

With the signing of Senator Webb's "Move Over Bill," the existing Move Over Law now covers all non-emergency vehicles stopped on the road, providing increased protection for motorists and emergency responders alike.  This legislative action underscores Senator Webb’s commitment to prioritize the safety of its citizens, making roads safer for everyone who uses them. The signing of the "Move Over Bill" is a significant step forward in reducing traffic-related accidents and ensuring the well-being of all New Yorkers.

Governor Hochul stated, "Keeping New Yorkers safe is my top priority, and traffic safety is no exception. The legislation signed today will make streets across our state safer for drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and especially for our schoolchildren. Thank you to my partners in the legislature for their work in getting these bills to the finish line - New York is better for it." (Gov. Hochul Press Release)

"I want to thank Governor Hochul for signing this legislation, which will extend safety protections to any motor vehicle that is parked, stopped, or standing on the shoulder of a parkway or controlled-access highway, increasing safety and saving the lives of New Yorkers,” said Senator Lea Webb. “I am proud of the work that we were able to do in the Legislature in partnership with our partners at AAA to improve this legislation. According to NYS law, drivers must use due care, reduce speed, and when possible move from the lane when approaching flashing emergency lights, including law enforcement officers, emergency workers, tow and service operators, and other maintenance workers who are stopped along roadways. This bill will decrease the numbers of fatalities and serious injuries that occur due to crashes involving a stopped or disabled vehicle on our roadways."

The Move Over Law, originally enacted in 2010, was designed to prevent collisions with emergency vehicles by requiring drivers to exercise due care and change lanes when approaching these vehicles. Over the years, the law was expanded to include hazard vehicles and other responder vehicles. However, personal vehicles stopped on the sides of highways remained a safety hazard, with nearly 300 drivers being struck and killed roadside annually. From 2016 to 2020, 37 individuals lost their lives outside disabled vehicles in New York.

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