Move Over or Slow Down for Utility Workers

What if someone drove through your office at 70 mph?

In 2012, Florida, Texas, and California ranked as the three States with the most motor vehicle crash fatalities in construction and maintenance work zones - each with at least 50 deaths. Along with all the other dangers utility workers face in their jobs each day, they also have to watch out for drivers who might hit them while they’re working on the side of a road.

Florida Statute 316.126

• Move over into an alternate lane when passing a utility truck, but only when it is safe to do so.
• If you cannot change lanes safely, or if you are on a two-lane road, reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.                                            
  

This law also applies to drivers when passing safety personnel like police, fire and highway patrol officers, and to sanitation and cable workers, too. Failure to move over could result in fines, court fees, and points on your license. 

For more information on the Move Over Law:

• Florida Statute 316.126: Operation of vehicles and actions of pedestrians on approach of an authorized emergency, sanitation, or utility service vehicle
• Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles