Friday, August 8
BRATTLEBORO -- Concerned over the safety of highway workers, tow truck drivers and emergency responders, the state of New Hampshire enacted into law a requirement that motorists slow down and give clearance to stationary vehicles displaying blue, red or amber emergency lights at the scene of any roadside emergency or incident.

The requirement is part of the Granite State's "Move Over" law, which took effect in 2005. The amendment to the old law took effect on Tuesday.

Forty-four other states already have similar legislation, including Vermont.

"Slowing down and moving away from the scene of a roadside incident should be common sense, but not enough drivers do it," said John J. Barthelmes, New Hampshire's commissioner of safety. "These additions to the 'Move Over' law will provide protection to a larger group of emergency responders and members of the public."

The law only pertains to stationary vehicles, said James Van Dongen, public information officer for New Hampshire's Department of Safety. That means drivers are not required to pull over for tow truck drivers, maintenance trucks or volunteer firefighters.

Between 1995 and 2006, 114 U.S. law enforcement officers were killed accidentally on motor vehicle stops or while directing traffic. Another 119 officers were killed feloniously during traffic stops.

Tow truck operators and highway workers are also at risk, with 94 tow truck operators

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being killed in roadside incidents.

In New Hampshire, two Department of Transportation employees have been killed in the last 10 years.

Police and other emergency personnel have also had numerous close calls and at least half a dozen have been seriously injured in recent years.

From 2004 to date, the New Hampshire State Police have had 36 cruisers struck in roadside incidents. Three were totaled, while the rest sustained damage that exceeded $58,000.