VIDEO: Working on the roadside is a dangerous and sometimes deadly job. That’s why the Division of Highway Traffic Safety is asking motorists to Make the Move. What’s the Move? When you see flashing lights on the side of the road, slow down, and if it’s safe, Move Over — away from police, fire crews, paramedics and tow truck drivers. If you make the move, others will follow.
The newly released video features New Jersey State Police Trooper Marc Castellano’s mother and brother, who talk about how their son and brother was struck and killed while responding to a roadside emergency on I-195 by an individual that did not abide by the “Move Over Law”.
You’ll also hear about other close calls and what you can do to prevent more tragedies on New Jersey’s roads.
To read more about the Move Over law, click here. TLS.
A very touching video.
Please follow this law. If you get a ticket for this, please do not bash the police.All they are trying to do is prevent another tragedy like this from happening.
Some important notes:
1. When you see lights on the side of the road, slow down and if safe move over. Did you know that if you look to the side of the road to see what is happening, you will subconciously steer your car in that direction. That is why so many people on the shoulders get hit. Slow down, move over if possible and keep your vision straight ahead in your lane. You have no need to see what all the activity is about on the side of the road.
2. Please obey all traffic laws. They are not there to control you. They are there to prevent injury and death. These laws include:
A. Come to a complete stop AT the stop sign. Do not roll past the stop sign and then stop. Do not roll through the stop sign and continue. You wheels must stop moving at the stop sign, and then you proceed with caution.
B. DO NOT pass on the right shoulder for any reason. If the car in front of you in waiting to turn left, you cannot go around him on the shoulder. The shoulder is for pedestrians (when no sidewalk is available), cyclists, emergency vehicles and disabled vehicles. You can get a ticket and FOUR points on your license. Per NJ law “do not pass or drive on the shoulder, this is Ilegal” – The excuse “if no one goes around the left turning car, then traffic will back up” is NO excuse.
C. Keep your infants and children in age appropriate car seats. These are the minimums, the longer you keep them in child seats, the better. 0-2 years – rear facing car seat. 2-5 years forward facing, 5 point harness car seat. 5-8 years – Booster seat. 8+ seat belted at all times and not in the front seat. There is no excuse for having your child unbelted for any reason, for any duration of trip no matter how short. A few years back, in another state, a woman was backing her car out of her driveway, to parrk it on the street in front of her house. She had her infant on her lap. As she was backing out, she did not see the truck, which hit the rear of her car, causing it to spin. The infant was ejected and died instantly.
The chance of accidents increases greatly when changing lanes. Requiring people to change lanes to avoid tickets is a recipe for potential disaster. Yes I know the law says you can slow if it’s unsafe to change lanes but if some cop is trying to fill his quota how are you going to prove to the judge is was unsafe to change lanes?
#2 I agree to you. A few weeks ago I witnessed a near accident when someone was trying to move over.
Fix one problem, but create another. This seems to be the law of the land.
This is NEW JERSEY. It is next to impossible to move to the left with all the traffic speeding past you. And if you slow down you will probably will get rear-ended by the tailgater in back of you.
#1
thank you!
all of you complaining, just follow the law! you can prevent another tragedy from occuring. stop whining about tickets- i would think protecting a life is more important
Calm down there’s no need for the law it’s common sense SLOW DOWN like really slow if you can’t move over & if you claim you’ll get rearended don’t slam on your breaks you are able to see flashing light or a stopped car on from a father distance begin slowing down and if the driver in back of you gets so annoyed he will move over. Even if you didn’t think you were able to move over your tailgater will find a way:)
To both anonymous (moderated) above.. Just slow down. See the flashing lights and slow down and if possible MOVE OVER. Is it that difficult. I have written people for failing to move over several times. I hope you drive past me so I can give you a ticket.
that goes for state, county and municipal road workers too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
about 18 years ago a Lakewood boy i forget his name broke down on the parkway a trooper stopped to help him, a car hit the boy killing him & missing the trooper by 2 feet
About a year ago I moved to NJ and I am surprised at the volume of self-important, inconsiderate and aggressive drivers in this state. There seems to be an abundance of drivers who care more about not being inconvenienced than they do about the safety of their fellow brothers and sisters. I am sure there are sane, rational, coexisters in NJ…let’s meet for coffee!