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Governor Cuomo Signs Legislation Expanding New York State's "Move Over Law" to Include Volunteer Firefighters and Ambulance Workers

Written by Long Island News & PR  |  22. July 2016

Albany, NY - July 21, 2016 - Governor Cuomo today signed legislation expanding New York State's "Move-Over" Law to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers.

The measure (S.7938/A.8702-A) requires drivers to slow down and move over a lane when approaching a vehicle with flashing blue or green lights that are operated by volunteer firefighters or ambulance workers involved in a roadside emergency.

"Our first responders risk their lives day in and day out, often putting their own safety and wellbeing in jeopardy, in order to protect their communities and their fellow New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said, “This new law will help ensure that first responders are protected from avoidable hazards when responding to a roadside emergency.”

Previously, the “Move-Over” law only applied to drivers approaching stopped police, emergency or hazard vehicles with flashing red and white or amber lights.

Senator David Valesky said, “The current ‘Move-Over’ Law protects police, emergency, and hazard vehicle operators by requiring approaching drivers to slow down and move one lane over, but volunteer emergency responders do not have the same protection. Expanding this law will extend that safeguard to volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers when they are providing emergency assistance. I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this important protection into law.”

Assemblyman William B Magnarelli said, “I want to thank the Governor for signing this important bill into law. It will make common sense changes to the “Move-Over Law” by expanding its coverage to include the “blue” and “green” lights that are used by many volunteer fire and ambulance companies. All first responders deserve the protections of the “Move-Over Law” when responding to incidents and emergencies on our roadways. This new law will help keep them safe when they are serving the public.”

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