Driver behavior is one of the primary catalysts for auto accidents in New York. Legislators, law enforcement and safety advocates are aware of this and strive to make the state roads safer with various initiatives. Recently, several steps have been taken to prevent collisions with injuries and death.
Recently, the Move Over Law was expanded so drivers, passengers, emergency responders and service workers would be safer. In addition, there was a major enforcement blitz in which drivers who violated various laws were cited. Although these are wise steps, it simultaneously highlights what types of activities can lead to a crash. People on the road need to be aware of them.
Speeding, distraction and failure to move over place people at risk
The expansion of the Move Over Law stems from the number of fatalities in the state when people’s vehicles were disabled and they were stopped on the side of the road. AAA reports that 48 people lost their lives in these types of crashes between 2015 and 2021. The initial Move Over Law went into effect in 2010. Now, it applies to all vehicles.
Law enforcement stated it had issued 7% more tickets for drivers failing to move over between 2022 and 2023. The accidents impacted people across a wide spectrum from law enforcement to tow truck drivers and road workers.
The safety campaign – known as “Spring Safe Driving” – lasted for one week with officers looking for drivers who exceeded the speed limit, were distracted behind the wheel or did not move over as the law requires. Just under 18,400 overall tickets were handed out. It broke down as follows: there were almost 6,900 speeding tickets; close to 1,100 distracted driving tickets and over 300 for failing to move over.
Drivers’ risky behaviors inevitably cause accidents
It is undoubtedly positive that these implementations and enhancements have started. Perhaps lives will be saved through increased vigilance. Still, many drivers will ignore the law and make reckless and illegal decisions when behind the wheel. This can lead to an auto accident and those who were hurt will need to think about the future. Investigating the cause of the crash is key. So too is it imperative to know what options are available to make a full financial and personal recovery for all that was lost.
