Give Emergency Workers Room to Work

EAST CENTRAL INDIANA - The Indiana State Police would like to remind drivers that Indiana law requires motorists to exercise caution when approaching an emergency vehicle that is stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated. 

Motorists are required to change lanes away from the emergency vehicle if they can do so safely. If unable, they must slow down and proceed with caution.  Troopers ask motorists to do what they expect of others if they were on the roadside changing a flat tire. Give our emergency workers room to work. 

Motorists found in violation of this law can face up to a $10,000 fine. Violations culminating in property damage or injuries can result in the suspension of their driver’s license for two years. This is in addition to any other penalties imposed by the courts. 

To ensure motorist are following the ”Move Over” law, Troopers working from the Indiana State Police Peru Post will be participating in a statewide enforcement initiative for the month of April. Officers will conduct concentrated patrols on multi-lane highways throughout the district which covers Fulton, Cass, Miami, Howard, Tipton, and Wabash Counties. Officers will aggressively target those drivers who fail to yield to a stopped emergency vehicle. Motorists can expect to receive a citation if they are stopped for a violation involving the “Move Over” law.   

Indiana emergency vehicles include:

• Police vehicles
• Motor carrier inspectors
• Ambulances
• Fire trucks and rescue equipment
• Highway incident-response vehicles
• Highway work vehicles
• Vehicle recovery equipment (tow trucks)

 
The intent of this law is to protect the emergency and highway personnel who serve the public. Please be alert when you see emergency lights and give them room to do their job.

Below are some of the reasons why to heed this warning.

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