By Bob Katzen
The Senate 39-0, approved and sent to the Senate legislation that would require motorists to slow down if they are approaching a stationary utility truck or a stopped vehicle with flashing lights on the shoulder of a road or breakdown lane of a highway.
Drivers on a highway with multiple lanes in each direction would also be required, if practicable, to change lanes to ensure greater safety for vehicles and individuals in the breakdown lane. The bill expands the state’s existing Move Over Law which provides this protection for emergency response vehicles, highway maintenance vehicles and tow trucks.
“This essential legislation is a critical upgrade to our Move Over Law, expanding its life-saving protections to everyone who must work or wait on the side of a busy highway,” said sponsor Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn), Senate Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “By including disabled vehicles and utility workers and implementing stronger penalties, we are making everyone on our roads safer.”
“National Grid employees perform critical repairs and maintenance to ensure safe, reliable energy service across Massachusetts every day when customers need it most,” said Shaun Vacher, Vice-President of Electric Operations for National Grid. “We thank the Senate for passing this important legislation to provide essential protections for roadside utility crews, helping ensure they can do this vital work safely and without unnecessary risk.”
“The Massachusetts State Police shares the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s support for this bill, which provides important additions to the commonwealth’s existing Move Over Law,” said Col. Geoffrey Noble, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police. “While these expanded provisions support our ability to address dangerous behavior through enforcement, above all else, we want drivers to slow down and change lanes away from stationary vehicles when it’s safe to do so. Taking these common-sense steps will prevent the serious injuries and fatal outcomes that change lives forever.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes