If your car has ever broken down or had a flat tire, leaving you stranded on the side of a road, you know how dangerous and unnerving it can be. Cars and trucks speeding by just inches away leaves little margin for error and could easily result in a disastrous crash.
Essential workers face this peril every day, from first responders to utility workers.
North Dakota’s electric cooperatives are committed to the safety of our employees and members, and encourage motorists to move over or slow down when approaching utility vehicles on the side of the road.
Please give our employees the room they need to work safely; their jobs are dangerous enough already.
North Dakota’s Move Over Law states drivers are required to move over to an adjacent lane and reduce their speed
to a safe level before passing any vehicle with flashing hazards or emergency lights stopped on the side of the road. This includes any motor vehicle, emergency vehicle and transportation department vehicle.
The law states if a vehicle is parked or stopped on the interstate system or on a multi-lane highway outside city limits and the vehicle is displaying an emergency light or flashing hazards, the driver of an approaching vehicle shall proceed with caution and move to a lane that is not adjacent to the stopped vehicle if the move may be made safely. If the driver cannot move over, the driver must reduce speed and maintain a safe speed for the road conditions.
Every driver has a part to play in keeping utility workers, first responders and others safe. When you see a vehicle with flashing lights or our cooperative crews working, please slow down, move over and give them space to stay safe.
“Move over” is not only the law in all 50 states, but is also the courteous thing to do. And when you safely move over, you are signaling to the drivers behind you they should follow your lead.