View Full Version : Slow Down, Move Over
Caltrans has lost 3 maintenance workers over the last 3 months, and after the most recent one (Friday), the Director ordered an immediate safety stand down for all field staff to discuss the hazards of working around traffic. I know there's also been a couple CHP hit and killed recently too.
During the discussion I had inquired if any one was familiar with any legislative efforts in Sacramento to enact a 'slow down, move over' law here in CA. I had recalled on my cross country trip last year seeing numerous signs in various states about such laws. Essentially, when there's an emergency vehicle on the side of the road you are required to change lanes, or if unsafe to do so, slow down until past the emergency vehicle. No one had heard of anything, or was even familiar with such laws in other states.
So after getting back to my cube I did 30 seconds worth of research to forward the suggestion on. Came across this website (http://www.moveoveramerica.com/), and was surprised to see that CA has enacted such a law in September 2006! Unfortunately it also has a sunset clause of 1/1/10, and does not include CT operations, but it's a start...
So my questions to the LEOs are, were you guys even aware that this law was enacted? And have you cited people for it yet?
Where's the public information campaign on this one!
OldFatGuy
12-17-2007, 06:16 PM
I'm not LEO, but I was aware of this law and I do follow it (though I never see anybody else doing so). I'm not sure why other states have signs posted to this effect but California doesn't. :confused
B-Cuz
12-17-2007, 06:30 PM
'slow down, move over'
You would figure this would be common sense/knowledge...but then again generally EVERYONE is in a rush to save 5min of drive time. Damn shame.
Sidesaddle
12-17-2007, 06:41 PM
It is section 21809 of the Ca. Vehicle code. and it only applies on freeways. You would think that this would be a common sense issue and there would not need to be a law for it.
Butch
12-17-2007, 07:04 PM
how about put down your phone and pay attention? (or latte, or magazine, or make up, or...) I have a pretty serious issue with people who do not take driving seriously.
What can be done? They give drivers licenses to anybody. And I guess you don't need one anyhow...
I've always slowed down. I mean, come on. There's people there! Right by the side of the road. If you want to buzz the tower, watch Top Gun.
"Give 'em a brake!"
ateamer
12-17-2007, 08:38 PM
Nice law, but it is pretty rare in the Bay Area/Santa Cruz area when you can get over to the next lane quickly enough, and slowing down is built in, unless it's 3:00 AM.
Actually it became law on January 1 of this year. It has been posted in a couple of threads.
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191540&highlight=21809
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227394&highlight=21809
Actually it became law on January 1 of this year. It has been posted in a couple of threads.
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191540&highlight=21809
http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227394&highlight=21809
Missed those threads.
I had no clue it was law here now in CA. DMV needs to print new laws like this on registration renewals IMO. I've not heard a peep of publicity about it.
When I was riding across country and saw all those signs I thought it was a hell of an idea, especially since I play in traffic now and then myself. It's unfortunate that maintenance vehicles aren't included in CA's version, I distinctly recall them included on several of the states' signs.
Missed those threads.
I had no clue it was law here now in CA. DMV needs to print new laws like this on registration renewals IMO. I've not heard a peep of publicity about it.
.......
I agree. I tried to get the local paper where I work to do an article on it when the law came out but I guess it was not important to them.
Also the new laws are posted on the DMV website. two new laws going into effect in 2008.
Smoking in Vehicles With Minor Passengers:
Add: Health and Safety Code Article 2.5 to chapter 4 of Part 15 of Division 104. Amend: Vehicle Code §12814.6 (SB 7 Chapter 425)
Makes it an infraction punishable by a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars ($100) for a person to smoke a pipe, cigar, or cigarette in a motor vehicle any time a minor is present in the vehicle.
Wireless Telephones and Mobile Service Devices — Operative July 1, 2008:
Amend and Add: Vehicle code §§12810.3, 23123, and 23124 (SB 33 Chapter 214)
Prohibits a person under the age of 18 from driving a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone, even if equipped with a hands-free device, or while using a mobile service device, as defined.
Nice law, but it is pretty rare in the Bay Area/Santa Cruz area when you can get over to the next lane quickly enough, and slowing down is built in, unless it's 3:00 AM.
At 3AM this morning, at my scene, this happend.....
}Dragon{
12-18-2007, 09:18 AM
At 3AM this morning, at my scene, this happend.....
You OK? :wow Deuce?
Maybe you should consider a move to the aviation unit...
You OK? :wow Deuce?
Maybe you should consider a move to the aviation unit...
Yeah, everyone is okay..... afterwords, I just needed to change the inside of my rain gear.
The funny thing is I was just telling my trainee to keep his eyes on traffic and have an escape route ready....
Then BLAMO.....
F'ing paper delivery people.... Not deuce, just HUA.
No one ever saw the commercials, 'Slow down for the cone zone'?
son_of_a_bob
12-18-2007, 09:32 AM
Wow! Glad everyone escaped injuryl, that musta been some scary shit.
Wow! Glad everyone escaped injuryl, that musta been some scary shit.
Ya know, the thing that scares me is this......
We see the car coming, we know its going to hit somewhere, just dont know where.
On one side we have 3 lanes of n/b 101. On the other, 4 lanes of s/b 101.... all you can do is hope it hits close, but not to close....
Anyone that breaks down on the highways should keep this in mind: IF I see a car coming at me, where am I going to go so that I don't get hit.
}Dragon{
12-18-2007, 10:21 AM
Ya know, the thing that scares me is this......
We see the car coming, we know its going to hit somewhere, just dont know where.
On one side we have 3 lanes of n/b 101. On the other, 4 lanes of s/b 101.... all you can do is hope it hits close, but not to close....
Anyone that breaks down on the highways should keep this in mind: IF I see a car coming at me, where am I going to go so that I don't get hit.
Be happy you don't work Hwy 80 in the snow. NV has the same "move-over" law and I think maybe 50% of the drivers were aware off it. I was fortunate to have never been hit, but have been within a few inches and learned to dive effectively over a K-rail:|
No one ever saw the commercials, 'Slow down for the cone zone'?
That is just a public info campaign from Caltrans without any real legal teeth behind it. Think of it as a reminder and a request.
Anyone that breaks down on the highways should keep this in mind: IF I see a car coming at me, where am I going to go so that I don't get hit.
I'm amazed at how cavalier people are about standing around near traffic.
Always face traffic! Always have an escape route! And before exiting your disabled vehicle on a structure, decide whether you can live with the consequences of having to jump the railing just in case. :p
silversvs
12-18-2007, 10:33 AM
At 3AM this morning, at my scene, this happend.....
Poor cruiser.
Poor cruiser.
I did get my rain gear dirty... does that count?
ateamer
12-18-2007, 10:44 AM
Rel, are you trying for some kind of record? Glad you weren't hurt.
}Dragon{
12-18-2007, 10:54 AM
Rel, are you trying for some kind of record? Glad you weren't hurt.
Rel: Check the back of your raingear.
http://images.jupiterimages.com/common/detail/75/75/22617575.jpg
Rel, are you trying for some kind of record? Glad you weren't hurt.
Naw Brother just trying to survive the streets!!
afm199
12-18-2007, 11:42 AM
People are totally crazy on the road. Just crazy. In the midwest they slow down, move over, and generally are polite. In Ca they are just crazy.
OldFatGuy
12-18-2007, 11:51 AM
In California, they drive slowly and to the left just in case they come upon an emergency vehicle. Pretty smart thinking, if you ask me. :laughing
antarius
12-18-2007, 04:21 PM
Yeah, everyone is okay..... afterwords, I just needed to change the inside of my rain gear.
The funny thing is I was just telling my trainee to keep his eyes on traffic and have an escape route ready....
Then BLAMO.....
F'ing paper delivery people.... Not deuce, just HUA.
Twelve Five at least? Fourteen Six? :laughing
Glad you and your trainee are alright.
People are totally crazy on the road. Just crazy. In the midwest they slow down, move over, and generally are polite. In Ca they are just crazy.
You know I've noticed that it's not like that outside of the Bay Area. Granted I've never driven in SoCal, so I can't comment on that, but I recently moved North of the Bay and the drivers up here are so polite. If people see you coming up on them in the fast lane, they move over without a highbeam flash, tailgate, or even having to slow down. In traveling back and forth between the Bay Area and up here, I've noticed that once you hit about Santa Rosa, everyone starts driving like an ass again.
Maybe just something to do with the Big City Hustle and Bustle.
Twelve Five at least? Fourteen Six? :laughing
Glad you and your trainee are alright.
Neither....
Just going to fast, and not paying attention.
Bikerx260
12-18-2007, 10:17 PM
Where's the public information campaign on this one!
:wtf
Well, it's on tv and radio all the freakin' time. Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) sponsors the public service announcements. Have you heard the phrase
"Slow for the Cone Zone" ? They aren't talking about ice-cream.
:teeth
This is why I disagree with CHP's philosophy to not use emergency lights and only hazard lights. While I see the logic in the drunks being draw to the lights, I would rather take my chances of getting hit by the 1 in 100 drunks that go by compared to the 1 in 5 idiot drivers that don't see me with just flashers.
Butch
12-18-2007, 10:36 PM
:wtf
Well, it's on tv and radio all the freakin' time. Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) sponsors the public service announcements. Have you heard the phrase
"Slow for the Cone Zone" ? They aren't talking about ice-cream.
:teeth
TV? Normal broadcast radio? Some of us can't do that. Is it in the Economist? Is it common sense? Sorry. I hate the normal media. People think it is true...
:wtf
Well, it's on tv and radio all the freakin' time. Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) sponsors the public service announcements. Have you heard the phrase
"Slow for the Cone Zone" ? They aren't talking about ice-cream.
:teeth
... :| ...read the thread maybe...
That is just a public info campaign from Caltrans without any real legal teeth behind it. Think of it as a reminder and a request.
Not only that, but this law does not cover Caltrans operations. It only covers emergency vehicles and tow trucks.
}Dragon{
12-19-2007, 08:57 AM
This is why I disagree with CHP's philosophy to not use emergency lights and only hazard lights. While I see the logic in the drunks being draw to the lights, I would rather take my chances of getting hit by the 1 in 100 drunks that go by compared to the 1 in 5 idiot drivers that don't see me with just flashers.
I hate to suggest they "need a study" but I agree, the light bar is there for a purpose. Yes, DUIs target fixate, but they will do it w/ hazard flashers too.
If they are not gonna use them, they should save us taxpayers a chunk of change by phasing them out. Think of the gas savings alone for a fleet of how many cars?:wtf
ateamer
12-19-2007, 08:14 PM
I don't buy that drunks are drawn to the lights. The other reason I have been given for not using lights once stopped on the freeway is to keep people from slowing down. Yep. I was on a stop a couple months ago on the side of the freeway, and was just releasing the driver when a CHP unit pulled up. Per my recently-adopted practice, I had all my flashing lights on throughout the stop (daytime - at night, I turn off the "rotators" - LED flashers - and leave just the steady lights and rear ambers on). The officer, instead of asking if I needed cover, or what the violation was, asked me to turn off the lights because it was slowing down traffic on "his" freeway. I left them on and advised that I didn't need his assistance.
I've noticed that in a lot of other states, officers on the freeway leave all their lights on during stops. It's visible from much further back and cars seem to take more notice of it.
Until I see some valid, peer-reviewed scientific study that says that drunks are drawn to the patrol car lights moreso than any other lights (hazards or just taillights that aren't moving), I'm leaving the overhead lights on.
The officer, instead of asking if I needed cover, or what the violation was, asked me to turn off the lights because it was slowing down traffic on "his" freeway. I left them on and advised that I didn't need his assistance.
Must have been a new guy..... :rant You know that wasn't my style when I was over there....
When I was hit I had all of my emergency lights activated. The drunks are going to hit red and blue lights just as easy as emergency flashers.
ateamer
12-19-2007, 08:55 PM
He wasn't new. Very nice guy, maybe just having a grouchy day.
}Dragon{
12-20-2007, 05:41 PM
He wasn't new. Very nice guy, maybe just having a grouchy day.
That's what you get for poaching.:laughing
ateamer
12-20-2007, 08:29 PM
Hey, my patch says "County". If it's anywhere in the county, it's fair game. Those guys whose uniforms say "City" or "Highway" are SOL in my beat.
}Dragon{
12-20-2007, 10:02 PM
Hey, my patch says "County". If it's anywhere in the county, it's fair game. Those guys whose uniforms say "City" or "Highway" are SOL in my beat.
Sometimes it's good to be a Deputy.:thumbup:laughing
Hey, my patch says "County". If it's anywhere in the county, it's fair game. Those guys whose uniforms say "City" or "Highway" are SOL in my beat.
My badge/patch say's my city and state of California, so there. :p
RolnCode3
12-21-2007, 06:46 AM
I'm in FL right now, and after reading this thread, I was curious about signage.
On the side of the freeways in FL there is a sign about 10 feet tall by 15 feet wide. It says to move over. About the biggest damn sign I've ever seen on the roadside.
Hey, my patch says "County". If it's anywhere in the county, it's fair game. Those guys whose uniforms say "City" or "Highway" are SOL in my beat.
Yeah... lets see.....
California is the first word on the patch. All roads, all codes.....
ateamer
12-21-2007, 08:07 PM
Ah, that means only roads funded by California. So, see ya on the highway... :laughing
scalvert
12-21-2007, 10:48 PM
As much as I agree with "slow down/move over" being a good thing, the law will only do so much good. I mean, if "don't drive into stationary objects while moving at high speed" is too complex for people to grasp, then really subtle stuff like "slow down/move over" is a total non starter :(
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