The new year brings Floridians a new driving law aimed at making our roads safer. Whether you’re a seasoned Sunshine State driver or a recent transplant, staying informed about changes to the law is crucial to avoiding unwanted citations and, more importantly, ensuring the well-being of yourself and others on the road.
Move Over, Make Space: The most impactful change, effective January 1, 2024, expands Florida’s existing “Move Over” law. Previously, drivers were required to change lanes or slow down for stopped police cars, emergency vehicles, sanitation trucks, utility service vehicles, and construction vehicles on highways with two or more lanes. According to the website (FLHSMV), the new law now extends this protective shield to include nearly any disabled vehicle. This means that if there is avehiclestopped on the side of the road, drivers must move over a lane. If you cannot move over — or when on a two-lane road — slow to a speed 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. In 2022, before the expansion of this law, over 14,000 citations were issued to motorists failing to move over in Florida. Knowing about this law and its expanded scope can help you avoid being ticketed and getting points on your license.
Be Careful: An article posted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety states that an estimated 566 deaths and 14,371 injuries occur annually from auto accidents involving a disabled vehicle. The approximate cost of these types of auto accidents is over $8 billion in medical fees, lost wages, and costs associated with death or disability.
Furthermore, the study found that more than half the deaths and many of the serious injuries occur when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian who is near, working on, or trying to return to a disabled vehicle. On average, these types of auto accidents kill more than 300 pedestrians a year, a number that has increased steadily since 2014.
Stay Informed for a Smooth Ride: The FLHSMV website provides articles about changes to traffic regulations, links to driving handbooks, and auto accident statistics for the state. Keeping up-to-date about the rules of the road can help you avoid accidents and tickets.
Drive with Kindness, Courtesy, and Care: Ultimately, this new law reflects a commitment to creating safer roads for all Floridians. By practicing courtesy, driving defensively, and respecting new regulations, we can collectively make our Sunshine State a haven for responsible and considerate drivers. So, buckle up, Florida, and remember – sharing the road means sharing the responsibility to keep everyone safe.
Accidents Happen: While Florida’s expanded “Move Over” law promises greater protection for vulnerable drivers, accidents caused by violations still occur. If you find yourself injured in such an incident, navigating the aftermath can be overwhelming. That is where the auto accident attorneys at Schlesinger Law Offices can help.
Our team of highly experienced auto accident lawyers understands the challenges victims face after an accident, especially when negligence and a disregard for the law are involved. We will be your advocate, ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here is how we can help:
- Investigating your case: We will thoroughly investigate the accident, gathering evidence and witness statements to prove the other driver’s “Move Over” violation directly contributed to your injuries.
- Fighting for your rights in court: If settlement negotiations fail, our experienced auto accident lawyers are prepared to represent you in court, aggressively pursuing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Remember, you do not have to face the aftermath of an auto accident alone. Schlesinger Law Offices is here to stand by your side, providing experienced legal counsel and unwavering support throughout your journey to recovery. Do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation – we are dedicated to helping you rebuild your life after a Move Over violation accident.
