September 30th, 2019 by WCBC Radio

On October 1, the one-year anniversary of the expanded “Move Over” law, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) is urging motorists to be extra vigilant to decrease roadside injuries and fatalities.  Since October 1, 2018, more than 17,000 motorists have been pulled over by Maryland State Police for violating the “Move Over” law.  

“This law is so important because our courageous law enforcement officers, paramedics, MDOT SHA crews, and service responders are working within inches of moving vehicles traveling at high speeds on our busy roadways,” said MDOT SHA Administrator Greg Slater. “It ensures that drivers get to their destinations safely, and the men and women who work on our roadways get to go home to their families safely, at the end of each day.”

From 2014 to 2018, more than 3,400 people were injured, and 46 people were killed in work zone crashes in Maryland. Since 2016, there have been 100 SHA Coordinated Highway Action Response Team (CHART) strikes, including 16 this year.

“We must all obey the law and give these workers who are our fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, spouses, and friends the room they need to do their jobs safely,” said Slater.