Most drivers are familiar with Alabama’s Move Over Law and understand they must move over or slow down when approaching a stopped police car, fire truck or ambulance displaying emergency lights. What many may not realize is that the law extends far beyond emergency responders.
Alabama’s John Hubbard Move Over Act also protects road maintenance crews, construction workers, surveyors, utility workers, tow truck operators and sanitation workers performing their duties along Alabama’s roadways.
This reminder comes at a particularly difficult time for the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT). Over the past two weeks, two separate work zone incidents involving ALDOT employees have occurred, including one that tragically resulted in the loss of an employee’s life.
Every day, ALDOT employees work just feet away from moving traffic to maintain roads, repair infrastructure, respond to emergencies and improve transportation systems across the state. While work zones are marked with signs, cones, flashing lights and other traffic control devices, worker safety ultimately depends on motorists remaining alert and following the law.
What is your role?
Under Alabama law, drivers approaching a roadside work area or vehicle displaying flashing lights must take action. On multi-lane roads and interstates, motorists should move over one lane away from workers when it is safe to do so. If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed by at least 15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. On two-lane roads, drivers should move as far away from workers as possible within their lane and reduce their speed accordingly.
The purpose of the law is simple: create a safe buffer between moving traffic and the people working on Alabama’s roads.
For road workers, every passing vehicle represents a potential risk. A moment of distraction, excessive speed or failure to move over can have devastating consequences for workers, their families and the communities they serve.
ALDOT urges all motorists to remain attentive in work zones and roadside work areas. Put away distractions, obey posted signs, reduce speed and move over whenever possible. These simple actions can save lives.
The next time you see flashing lights on the shoulder or workers performing their duties along the roadway, remember that Alabama’s Move Over Law applies to them too. Behind every safety vest is a person who deserves to return home safely at the end of the day.
