What is required of drivers when police, fire, or emergency personnel are near the roadway?

When emergency personnel, such as police, fire, or medical responders, are working near the roadway, drivers are required to ensure the safety of those personnel by moving into a lane that is not adjacent to the emergency response area or slowing down significantly if changing lanes is not safe or possible. This practice is essential for several reasons.

First, emergency responders often operate in hazardous conditions and require protection from passing vehicles to safely perform their duties. By moving over or reducing speed, drivers help minimize the risk of accidents, providing a safer working environment for those assisting individuals in need.

Additionally, this requirement is part of "Move Over Laws," which are established in many states, including Pennsylvania. These laws promote awareness and safety around roadside emergencies by compelling drivers to take immediate actions when encountering emergency vehicles with flashing lights or personnel on the scene. Such laws aim to reduce risks of injury or fatality for both responders and drivers.

Maintaining speed or stopping without considering the surrounding situation can create additional hazards, such as sudden stops in the flow of traffic or potential collisions. Therefore, moving over or slowing down is the appropriate and necessary response in these scenarios.