To help spread the world about Vermont’s “Move Over” law, four signs were placed on state highways yesterday. The law requires all drivers to yield to emergency vehicles. The response time by emergency workers can be the difference between life and death. Each driver has the responsibility to know what to do if an emergency vehicle is approaching from either direction, or when a stationary emergency vehicle is being passed. Twelve signs in total will be put in place on Interstates 89, 91 and 93 and U.S. Routes 4 and 7.
Moving vehicles with lights/sirens:
Pull to the right. Traffic in both directions must pull to the right and stop. Always make sure that all emergency vehicles have passed before proceeding.
Stationary emergency vehicle with lights:
Pull to the left. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is displaying flashing lights, (including tow. repair and maintenance vehicles), you will need to move over as far to the left as road conditions will allow. You must change lanes away from the emergency vehicle when on a multi-lane highway. If you are unable to change lanes safely, or if traveling on a two-lane highway, you must slow down and proceed with caution.
Vermont State Police Director, Colonel Thomas L’ Esperance said in a press release, “law enforcement traffic stops, roadside emergencies and highway maintenance are one of the most dangerous tasks these occupations face every day”.
The State Police have created this public service announcement about the State’s “Move Over” law, which has been in place in the year 2002.
Vermont Local Roads 