Massachusetts Implements Move Over Law Including Tow Trucks

The Towing and Recovery Association of America would like to acknowledge the state police, Massachusetts highway officials, representatives of road workers and AAA Southern New England who recently announced the “Slow Down, Move Over” law that took effect in Massachusetts on Sunday.

[USPRwire, Thu Mar 26 2009] The Towing and Recovery Association of America would like to acknowledge the state police, Massachusetts highway officials, representatives of road workers and AAA Southern New England who recently announced the “Slow Down, Move Over” law that took effect in Massachusetts on Sunday.

The law calls for drivers who are approaching an emergency assistance situation to vacate the lane closest to the emergency whenever possible or slow down to a reasonable rate of speed, Mary Maguire, director of public and legislative affairs for AAA Southern New England, said in a press release. The law will include tow trucks as emergency vehicles.

Each year, as many as 100 police officers, emergency roadside assistance personnel and tow truck drivers are killed or injured by speeding vehicles nationwide, she said.

“Writing tickets is not the objective,” Maguire said. “The goal is to communicate to motorists the importance of providing basic driving courtesy to first responders and roadside workers, a courtesy that is too often overlooked.”

At present, 45 states have “Slow Down, Move Over” statutes, including a recently adopted law in Rhode Island.

Violation of this new law in Massachusetts will result in a fine of not more than $100, which is a non-surchargeable offense, she said.

The Towing and Recovery Association of America endeavors to pass along positive news about the towing industry and places press releases in conjunction with these efforts. This release is a part of that effort. News submissions can be sent to jgodwin@email.com.

Contact:
Jeffrey Godwin
TowPartners
Washington, DC
817-379-0637
jgodwin@towpartners.com
http://www.towpartners.com