Drivers reminded to move over
A year since tow trucks and other maintenance vehicles were added to the state's Move Over Law, the people who drive them say it's time for a reminder. YNN's Katie Morse tells us why they're taking the new year to ask drivers to remember to slow down and move over when they see flashing amber lights.
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GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. — Even a year after tow trucks and maintenance vehicles were added to the state's "Move Over Law," some drivers still haven't gotten the message.
"I don't think they really realize what it's like standing out there with cars going by you at 65 miles an hour," said Erik Ostertag, who works for Marty's Towing.
Ostertag has been driving a tow truck for years. He says when the law first went into effect, he saw a big change on the roads, but now he thinks people need another reminder.
"Everyone is kinda back to being in a hurry. Not paying attention," he explained. "They want to get to their families. Wellm we're out there - we want to leave from whatever we're doing out there and get back to our families too."
State Police say drivers have been much better about moving over for emergency vehicles, but are still getting used to moving for trucks with amber lights.
"A lot of the time, the tow truck drivers are put in a position where they need to work right on a fog line, or maybe even over a little bit to help the disabled motorist or tow their vehicle off the road - so they're put in danger a lot more than people realize," explained NYS Trooper Gregory Peron.
Either way, not moving over or at least slowing down can get drivers in trouble.
"You'll be given a ticket for failure to move over, and it is considered a moving violation in New York State, so that's something - you'll get a fine, you'll get points, and it'll hurt your insurance," said Peron.
Another thing tow truck drivers pointed out was that many New York State drivers seem to know and understand the law, but drivers from other states and especially Canada tend to not move over. They're asking the public to spread the word if they have friends or family in from out of town.