Flashing lights on the side of the highway should immediately tell every driver to do two things: slow down and move over.
It is a simple action, but it can save a life.
This week, state leaders, law enforcement, highway officials and first responders gathered at the State Capitol to launch the “Just Move Over” campaign, a statewide effort to increase awareness of Arkansas’ Move Over Law and protect those who work alongside our roadways.
The campaign grew out of a working group assembled by House Speaker Brian Evans after he personally witnessed several close calls involving highway workers and first responders in his district. Speaker Evans joined partners from that working group at this week’s press conference to encourage Arkansans to take the law seriously.
Arkansas’s Move Over Law requires motorists approaching an authorized vehicle stopped on or alongside a roadway to move to the farthest possible lane. If moving over cannot be done safely, drivers must slow down and exercise caution.
The law applies to emergency response and law enforcement vehicles as well as ARDOT vehicles and contractors, utility vehicles, and tow trucks.
The numbers show why this matters.
On average, at least five emergency vehicles are struck on the shoulders of Arkansas state highways each year. Over the past five years, more than 600 crashes on state highways have involved a vehicle parked on the shoulder. More than 60 resulted in a fatality or serious injury.
Just Move Over will emphasize both awareness and enforcement. Public service announcements, graphics, and educational materials will help remind drivers what the law requires. Law enforcement will reinforce that message through warnings and citations. More than 8,000 move-over-related citations or warnings have been issued statewide during the past five years.
The goal is not simply enforcement. The goal is to change behavior, prevent injuries and save lives.
Law enforcement officers, paramedics, highway crews, utility workers and tow truck operators routinely work just feet away from vehicles traveling at highway speeds. They are our neighbors, friends and family members, and they deserve the space to do their jobs safely.
Every driver can help.
When you see flashing lights, slow down, pay attention and give them room.
Just move over.
