Do You Know About Move Over Laws?
Flashing lights along the side of the road can indicate many things to a driver. Flashing lights can warn a driver of an accident, construction, or a law enforcement matter. Do you know what to do when approaching flashing lights? Every state has a “move over law” that applies in this situation. It requires that a driver slow down and move over. Below we will discuss move over laws and the dangers of “struck by” incidents.
If a driver fails to abide by Nevada’s move over law and injures you, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, seek legal help from a personal injury lawyer. The law firm of Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. You don’t have to worry about incurring fees when you talk to us as you get the opportunity to discuss your Las Vegas area car accident case with a free case review. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Is a Move Over Law?
A move over law requires drivers to slow down and move over to accommodate emergency vehicles with flashing lights. All 50 states have move over laws. Some state laws are broad and include any vehicle with flashing lights. To view a specific state’s move over law use this link. We provide the full text of Nevada’s move over law in the section below.
What Is Nevada’s Move Over Law?
Nevada’s move over law applies to a motorist approaching any sort of traffic incident. The motorist must:
- Slow to less than the posted speed limit.
- Move to a non-adjacent lane.
- Be prepared to stop.
The Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles notes that this law now applies when approaching vehicles displaying non-flashing blue lights in the back. Tow trucks and service vehicles under contract with Nevada Department of Transportation are now allowed to display non-flashing blue lights.
Nevada Revised Statute 484B.607
Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 484B.607 is Nevada’s move over law. The full text of NRS 484B.607 provides as follows:
1. Upon approaching any traffic incident, the driver of the approaching vehicle shall, in the absence of other direction given by a law enforcement officer:
(a) Decrease the speed of the vehicle to a speed that is reasonable and proper, pursuant to the criteria set forth in subsection 1 of NRS 484B.600;
(b) Proceed with caution;
(c) Be prepared to stop; and
(d) If possible, drive in a lane that is not adjacent to the lane or lanes where the traffic incident is located unless roadway, traffic, weather or other conditions make doing so unsafe or impossible.
2. A person who violates subsection 1 is guilty of a misdemeanor.
3. As used in this section, “traffic incident” means any vehicle, person, condition or other traffic hazard which is located on or near a roadway and which poses a danger to the flow of traffic or to a person involved in, responding to or assisting with the traffic hazard. The term includes, without limitation:
(a) An authorized emergency vehicle which is stopped and is making use of flashing lights meeting the requirements of subsection 3 of NRS 484A.480;
(b) A tow car which is stopped and is making use of flashing amber warning lights meeting the requirements of NRS 484B.748 or lamps that emit non–flashing blue light meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.475, or both;
(c) An authorized vehicle used by the Department of Transportation which is stopped or moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic and which is making use of flashing amber warning lights meeting the requirements of subsection 1 of NRS 484D.185 or lamps that emit non–flashing blue light meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.200;
(d) A vehicle, owned or operated by a person who contracts with the Department of Transportation to provide aid to motorists or to mitigate traffic incidents, which is stopped or moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic and making use of lamps that emit non–flashing blue light meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.200;
(e) A public utility vehicle which is stopped or moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic and is making use of flashing amber warning lights meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.195;
(f) An authorized vehicle of a local governmental agency which is stopped or moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic and is making use of flashing amber warning lights meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.185;
(g) Any vehicle which is stopped or moving at a speed slower than the normal flow of traffic and is making use of flashing amber warning lights meeting the requirements of NRS 484D.185;
(h) A crash scene;
(i) A stalled vehicle;
(j) Debris on the roadway; or
(k) A person who is out of his or her vehicle attending to a repair of the vehicle.
If a driver fails to abide by Nevada’s move over law and injures you, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. The team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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What Is a Struck By Incident?
Move over laws are meant to keep everyone on the road safe and, in part, prevent “struck by incidents.” A struck by incident is:
- Any incident where an emergency responder/roadway worker or emergency or work vehicle is hit by another vehicle or object. The incident occurs within a traffic incident management area or work zone. The incident results in an injury, fatality, or property damage.
Struck by incidents are a national issue. Every month there are multiple reports of struck by incidents across the nation. In August 2020, the following struck by incidents made the news:
- CHP Officer Struck by Alleged DUI Drive While Checking a Vehicle Along Hwy 99 Near Visalia
- Tractor-Trailer Driver Seriously Hurt After Crashing Into 3 Fire Trucks on I-85
- Maryland SHA CHART Truck Struck at Crash Scene
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Roadside Fatalities
Struck by incidents are both dangerous and deadly. The Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) reports that in 2019:
- Vehicles struck and killed 44 emergency responders who were working various types of roadway incidents.
ERSI analyzed the 44 fatalities from 2019 roadway incidents. The responders that were struck and killed consisted of the following:
- 18 law enforcement officers
- 14 tow truck operators
- 3 mobile mechanics
- 9 Fire/EMS personnel
Roadside incidents are dangerous for everyone. If a driver fails to abide by Nevada’s move over law and injures you, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
We hope you stay safe on the roads. If a car accident has injured you or a loved one, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. Some well-meaning folks may advise you that lawyers are expensive and maybe you can solve your Las Vegas car accident case yourself.You can benefit from our years of experience representing Las Vegas area clients in auto accidents. We only get paid when you win, so you can be confident about working with our experienced legal team.
Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers based in Henderson, Nevada, serving clients throughout the Las Vegas area. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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