KPD Reminds Motorists to Obey ‘Move Over’ Law

Kaua‘i Police Department is reminding motorists to be mindful of the “move over” law following the death of tow truck driver on O‘ahu who was struck and killed by a vehicle while responding to an emergency on the H-2 freeway.

The “Move Over Law” requires drivers to slow down to a reasonable speed that is safe under the circumstances and, if possible, make a lane change in order to leave one lane between the driver and the emergency situation. The law applies to all first responding vehicles such as police, fire and ambulances, and also includes tow trucks.

“Slowing down to a reasonable speed and, when possible, moving over to give first responders a safe place to work, is an easy and effective way to save a life,” said Patrol Services Bureau Assistant Chief Mark Begley. “KPD’s Traffic Safety Section will be out enforcing this law in the coming weeks so please slow down and, when possible, please move over.”

According to the law, upon approaching any emergency vehicle, drivers are required to slow down and make a lane change into the adjacent lane. On two-lane roads, which Kauaʿi predominately consists of, a driver should not cross over the dividing lines. However, the driver is still required to slow down to a reasonable speed that is prudent ̶ typically around 15 miles per hour in a residential area.

More information on the law can be found here.