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Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) joined the Connecticut Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office and Colchester Fire & EMS for the launch of a new public service campaign seeking to remind drivers about Connecticut’s “Move Over” law. The campaign will emphasize the importance of protecting drivers on the side of the road – including emergency responders, roadside workers, construction workers and drivers experiencing technical difficulties, among others – and emphasize the serious nature of roadside crashes.
“There’s good reason why moving over for traffic was made law – it protects workers and prevents serious injury and death in the event of crashes,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m proud to be here today with our state and local leaders to make sure those who need space will get it, and to help make sure we see fewer avoidable crashes on the side of the road.”
“CTDOT crews, construction workers, tow operators, and emergency responders face extreme danger while working on the roadways, often just feet from speeding traffic,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. “This new PSA campaign is designed to remind everyone to slow down and move over whenever they see a vehicle on the roadside. The Move Over Law is essential to preventing crashes, reducing injuries, and saving lives.”
Connecticut’s Move Over law was first enacted in 2009 and expanded in 2017. Between 2017 and 2021, though, 16 people lost their lives in roadside crashes in Connecticut, with 13 of those fatalities happening after dark. As such, the law was again strengthened in 2023 and now applies to one-lane roads. If a driver cannot move over due to traffic or road conditions, they must slow down for all vehicles, including disabled vehicles, to provide more safety for those in need.
Connecticut’s Move Over law is one of the most thorough in the nation, as it requires drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle on the roadside, not just emergency vehicles. The law applies to all highways and side roads, and drivers who cannot change lanes must slow down and proceed with caution. Violators can face significant fines, especially if their failure to move over leads to a crash, injury or death.
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