Earlier this year, MAIF and the Maryland State Police teamed up to promote awareness of Maryland’s Move Over Law. The law, which went into effect in October 2010, requires drivers to immediately reduce speed, and to move over if safely possible whenever they see an emergency vehicle on the shoulder, with its emergency lights activated.
At that announcement, State Police Superintendent Marcus L. Brown declared that May would be “Move Over Month.”
In support of its goal of promoting safer driving habits, and to help raise awareness about the law, MAIF has provided decals which will be displayed on police, fire and rescue vehicles throughout the state.
The decals read “If I’m on the shoulder: Slow Down. Move Over. It’s the law.”
In addition, MAIF is sponsoring public service announcements that will air on local radio, to increase awareness of the law.
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, a total of twenty-five officers were killed nationwide as a result of being struck by a vehicle in 2010 and 2011.
“MAIF is committed not only to insuring Maryland drivers, but to helping insure the safety of Maryland’s roadways,” said MAIF Executive Director, M. Kent Krabbe. “Our law enforcement and emergency personnel risk their lives every day working toward that same goal. Each one of us has a responsibility to make sure that they are able to perform their duty safely,” he added.
Remember, when you see flashing lights on the side of the road, slow down, and if you can, move over. If you’re not in the lane closest to the shoulder, make sure to give the cars that have to move over enough room to do so.
