Fines imposed for failure to move over

• Democratic31
• Republican4

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Jeremy Cooney says this is needed

This legislation is critical to better protect both highway workers and motorists. Construction and maintenance workers face significant risks while working on roadways, and these dangers are exacerbated by driver negligence. According to the Federal Highway Administration, an average of 132 workers are killed each year in work zone crashes, with thousands more suffering injuries. In 2020 alone, nearly 850 fatalities occurred in work zone crashes across the United States, with speeding and failure to yield being among the leading contributing factors. Failing to move over when approaching a stopped emergency or maintenance vehicle is a widespread issue, contributing to a concerning number of incidents where workers are struck by passing vehicles. In New York, a significant number of work zone crashes are caused by drivers neglecting the state's "Move Over" law, which mandates that drivers slow down and move over when approaching stationary emergency or maintenance vehicles with flashing lights. The last time fines for failing to move over were increased in New York was in the early 2000s. Since then, traffic volumes, roadwork demands, size and weight of vehicles, and the risks to workers have increased significantly. However, the penalties for these offenses have not kept pace with the growing dangers. A 2021 survey showed that nearly 40% of drivers fail to move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, further underscoring the need for stronger penalties to deter dangerous driving behavior. By increasing these penalties, New York can send a strong message that such reckless driving will no longer be tolerated. Enhanced penalties will serve as a deterrent, encouraging drivers to follow speed limits and move over for roadside workers, thereby reducing the number of accidents and fatalities.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.