FLORIDA – On the list of a host of new laws in Florida that will take effect on Jan. 1 is a law that will require drivers to move over or slow down when they see a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
Before Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the new law, drivers were only required to move over from emergency, service and construction vehicles with their warning light activated.
When you’re driving on Interstate 95 or any interstate with busy traffic, it’s common to see disabled vehicles on the side of the road as, at any moment, a driver can experience a mechanical problem that forces them to pull off to the side.
According to a nationwide study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, between 2016 and 2018, an average of more than 560 people were killed each year in crashes involving disabled vehicles on the side of the road.
But on Monday, drivers will be required to switch lanes as long as the disabled vehicle is using hazard lights, has flares lit around the car or if cones are placed around the vehicle. Drivers who are unable to move over will be required to slow down to 20 miles below the posted speed limit.
Maricly Tores was a little reluctant to believe that the new law would make a difference.
“I don’t think it’s going to work,” Tores said. “Are they going to have a policeman there to stop all the people?”
Drivers who are caught in the act of not moving over or slowing down can expect fines ranging from $60 to $158.
Drivers like Sarah Schildnier said the law is needed but also requires proper notice.
“I think it’s important that people move over, but if you’re not from here, you’re not going to know. So, they need to put that up on boards to let people know,” she said.
Peter Mamo was traveling from New York. He said he noticed a lot more vehicles pulled over in Florida than in another state on his way down.
“It’s for driver’s safety, pedestrian safety. I think it’s a good thing,” Matthew Murz said.