New Signs, TV Announcements Aimed at Educating South Carolina Drivers

The state of South Carolina has put up new highway signs and is running public service announcements on television to make sure everyone knows about a law that’s been on the book for years. It’s called the “Move Over” law, which requires drivers to move over if possible, or at least slow down, when they come upon an emergency vehicle that’s stopped on the side of the road.

“The message we are trying to send is that if you see flashing lights, there is a potential hazard ahead,“ says state Public Safety director Mark Keel.

“Adjust your speed and begin moving into the opposite lane. This gives emergency workers room to work. It is common sense but many people don’t realize it’s the law in South Carolina as well as most other states,“ he says.

He’s right about the lack of familiarity with the law. A national poll by Mason Dixon Polling & Research, sponsored by the National Safety Commission, found that 71 percent of Americans have not heard of “Move Over” laws.

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, more than 150 law enforcement officers nationwide have been killed since 1999 after being hit by vehicles. Four South Carolina state troopers have been struck and killed by vehicles since 1981. You can see a list of all of the SC troopers killed in the line of duty here.

You can watch the two PSAs here.

The South Carolina Department of Transportation started putting up the new signs on June 1 along I-20, I-26, I-77, I-85, I-95, I-385 and I-526.