Frankfort — To defend the individuals who defend us, the Kentucky State Highway Safety Administration (KOHS) has joined the Kentucky State Police (KSP) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ship a “slowdown and moveover” message to Kentucky. State driver.
“On our roads, emergency response personnel and public safety officers are endangering their lives to defend federal residents,” stated Governor Andy Beshear. “Slowing down and transferring is thanks to these devoted professionals who present beneficial and sometimes harmful public companies.”
Kentucky handed the Movement Act in 2003, requiring drivers to transfer into adjoining lanes when approaching emergency or public security autos with flashing lights (“KRS 189.930). If it’s not possible or unsafe to change lanes, the motive force ought to decelerate and watch out. Failure to accomplish that can lead to fines, imprisonment, or each (KRS 189.993 (8)).
“Our objective is to construct a protected and equitable transportation system for all Kentucky residents, together with the primary responder,” stated KYTC Secretary Jim Gray. “Some drivers could consider that transferring is only a courtesy, but it surely’s not. It’s a legislation.”
The legislation protects all first responders, together with legislation enforcement businesses, firefighters, paramedics, paramedics, security service patrols, and towing autos.
“Imagine attempting to do your job because the car flies previous you at superb speeds,” stated KSP captain Paul Blanton. “The subsequent time you see these flashing lights in entrance, give it some thought.”
Unfortunately, first responders are killed every year by drivers who fail to transfer. According to NHTSA, solely 149 legislation enforcement officers have been killed in traffic-related incidents since 2017.
“We are used to working in harmful conditions, however as autos cross us, our danger will increase,” stated Captain Brunton. “By providing first responders with the space they need, they can get their work done safely and effectively.”
Rescuers can do quite a bit to defend themselves by the facet of the street. The remainder of the duty lies with the opposite drivers.
“Be vigilant, decelerate and transfer up,” Gray stated. “These are three easy but vital actions that save lives.”
All 50 states have enacted “transferring” legal guidelines. The first legislation started in South Carolina in 1996, and Hawaii grew to become the final state to enact the legislation in 2012.
