As the holiday season approaches, many New Yorkers will be traveling to visit family and friends near and far. If you’ve ever had to stop in the breakdown lane on the Thruway or I-81 during the busy holiday season, you know how scary or downright dangerous it can be. Stepping out of your car just a few feet away from traffic moving 60 or 70 mph is not something you’d like to do even if there’s an emergency.

Now, imagine that’s your job. First responders, tow truck drivers and police officers routinely navigate those precarious breakdown lanes to assist motorists who’ve been in an accident, are experiencing car trouble or have a medical emergency. For them to do their job effectively, they need to know that they’re safe from passing cars.

That’s why I helped pass legislation to expand our state’s Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and switch lanes for first responders, to include vehicles with flashing lights like tow trucks, and volunteer ambulances and firefighters. Beginning in January, drivers who fail to move over will be subject to a $150 fine for a first offense and a $300 fine for two violations within an 18-month period. But it is a good habit to get into now.

This is a simple change for motorists that can protect our police officers, EMTs and highway employees and allow them to do their vital jobs safely. Since 1999, more than 150 law enforcement officers have tragically been killed after being struck by a passing vehicle on our nation’s highways.

Here in Central New York, these tragedies have hit close to home. In 2003, Deputy Sheriff Glenn Searles lost his life when he was tragically struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist stranded in a blizzard. The bridge on I-481 now bears his name, honoring his life and brave service to our community.

So please, for your safety and for the safety of our dedicated first responders, highway personnel and other motorists, when you see flashing lights, remember to slow down and move over.

As always, if you have questions or concerns about this or any other community, do not hesitate to contact me at 452-1115 or at [email protected].