Every year, workers along the side of the road are injured or killed when cars crash into authorized emergency vehicles, public service vehicles, and crew sites.

North Carolina, like most states, has a “Move Over” law to protect police, firefighters, first responders, and utility workers. Utility workers are required to have a flashing amber-colored light.

The “Move Over” law in North Carolina requires motorists approaching or passing any public service or utility vehicle to pull over and move their vehicles into a nearby lane, if possible. If the roadway has only one lane for proceeding traffic or the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely, the motorist must slow the vehicle and proceed at a reduced speed. Failure to do so can create a safety hazard for the workers and result in a $500 fine for the vehicle’s driver.

Remember, slowing down and moving over shows common courtesy and respect for their hard work, but most importantly, it saves lives.