By EMS1 Staff
NEW YORK — New York’s “Move Over” law coverage was extended to volunteer firefighters and EMS providers last week.
The law requires motorists to slow down and move over when an emergency vehicle with activated lights and sirens is passing. The expansion now requires motorists to pull over for ambulances and volunteer fire vehicles that are flashing blue or green lights, Olean Times Herald reported.
“It’s just common sense,” Todd Reisner, general manager of Trans Am Ambulance Services, said. “It struck me as a very natural progression of the law.”
The expansion went into effect Jan. 17; those who violate the law face a $275 fine and three points marked on their license.
“Every day, these firefighters and ambulance workers put their well-being on the line to help their neighbors and their communities,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a statement. “This new law and outreach campaign will offer these brave New Yorkers additional protections that will help ensure they are able to carry out their critically important jobs, while cracking down on avoidable and reckless hazards.”
Hinsdale Fire Chief Kelly Karst said he’s seen a positive change since the law was first implemented in 2011, and that the expansion is a “step in the right direction.”