Kentucky’s “Slow Down, Move Over” Law: Expanding Protection on the Roads

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Posted by Eileen Stewart April 24, 2024
Kentucky's "Slow Down, Move Over" Law: Expanding Protection on the Roads

There’s a reason they’re called accidents, and soon Kentucky law will make it even safer on the roadways by requiring vehicles to give space to anyone who gets pulled off the road.

“Every state has a ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law. Now we’ve gone back, and we’ve expanded laws that maybe doesn’t cover everyone,” Lori Weaver Hawkins, public and government affairs manager for AAA Bluegrass, stated.

A “Slow Down, Move Over” law has been in effect in Kentucky for slightly over 20 years. Hawkins was one of the people who pressed Congress for an expansion during the previous year.

“A motorist that has a breakdown maybe needs to change a tire. They’re not actually a part of the ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law,” Hawkins stated.

Although emergency vehicles were exempt from the regulation, drivers are now obliged to slow down and, if feasible, shift over a lane in front of any vehicle that is pulling off the highway or interstate and flashing hazard lights.

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According to Hawkins, the two highest risk factors for incidents involving pulled-over cars are speeding and distracted driving.

Kentucky was ranked 10th in the country for the percentage of distracted driving fatalities according to the most recent data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration.

Now that there is an additional safety measure in place, breaking the law could get drivers in trouble.

“They can be fined up to $500 and even see jail time, depending on the conditions,” Hawkins stated.

July marks the official implementation of the extended “Slow Down, Move Over” law.

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Eileen Stewart
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With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.