Your source for news in Hot Springs County
The time for summer vacation is fully here, but it’s important to keep in mind some road safety when you’re heading to your destination. For instance, Wyoming will have a new Move Over law that will be implemented beginning July 1.
The law already requires drivers to move over to the farthest lane on a road with two or more lanes in the same direction or to slow down 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when coming upon pulled over emergency vehicles.
Beginning in July, however, that law will also incorporate maintenance, construction and utility crew members. The means drivers will now need to move over for Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) workers as well. The Legislature approved the changes this past session.
According to Gregg Fredrick, WYDOT chief engineer, “The Move Over bill is an important piece of legislation that will help protect our maintenance, construction and utility crews that work alongside Wyoming’s highways. This will help to provide a safe place to work so that they can return home to their families every day.”
Workers who spot drivers who do not follow proper move over procedures can contact the Wyoming Highway Patrol, and those drivers can be fined $235. As a way to help educate the public, WYDOT is also making signs about the new requirements.
As construction is sometimes considered one of the unofficial seasons, it’s important to keep this change to the Move Over law in mind when planning vacations. When keeping your own safety in mind while on the road — making sure you and your passengers are buckled, airbags are in working order and keeping distractions such as cell phones to a minimum — make sure you’re looking out for our emergency responders and those working to maintain and improve our highways.
Reader Comments(0)