A new law, which is more of an expansion of an existing law, goes into effect today in Kentucky that aims to provide more safety to stranded motorists.
Kentucky’s “Move Over” law has been on the books for more than two decades to protectlaw enforcement, highway crews, tow truck operators and other roadside workers by requiring drivers to switch lanes if they can do so safely, but at least slow down when encountering these situations.
The expanded law will now apply to drivers stranded on the side of the road.
Drivers will be required to move over a lane, if safe to do so, when they’re coming up on any stranded vehicle with its flashers on or another type of warning signal. If a driver can’t move over a lane, the law will require them to slow down.
Penalties could result in fines or even jail time if the driver causes serious damage, injury or death.
According to AAA, data shows more than 30 people were struck and killed while leaving or approaching their car roadside in Kentucky over the last five years. More than a dozen have been struck and killed while changing a tire along the side of the highway.
