Most drivers (at least responsible ones) slow down and obey all signs – particularly reduced speed signs — and anyone who is directing traffic when they enter a highway work zone. It’s best to do this even before reaching an official work zone area if a driver knows that it’s coming up.
Likewise, responsible drivers will pull over or move to another lane when they see the lights and hear the sirens of any kind of first responder vehicle, like an ambulance, fire truck or police car. They also move over at least one lane when they see first responders or tow truck drivers attending to a crash or disabled vehicle or a vehicle pulled over with its hazard lights on or flares set up.
Because too many drivers don’t use the appropriate caution in these situations that every driver encounters at some point, Oklahoma strengthened its “Move Over” law late last year. Specifically, lawmakers increased the fines for not slowing down and moving over (if possible) when encountering an emergency or maintenance vehicle to $1,000 for a first offense and $2,500 for the second one.
A required course for new drivers
Further, as we discussed in an earlier post, Oklahoma became the first state in the country to require student drivers to take an Oklahoma Work Zone Safe and First Responder Safety course. The purpose of the online course isn’t just to make sure that young drivers learn the law and safe driving habits around highway workers and first responders whom they encounter on or near the road. It likely will save lives of drivers and passengers as well.
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) states that more than 100 teen drivers have died in work zone crashes over the past five years on our state’s highways and turnpikes.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or a family member has been killed by a driver who didn’t take the appropriate precautions when encountering one of these situations, it’s crucial to seek appropriate compensation from the at-fault driver. Getting experienced legal guidance as soon as possible will help you protect your rights and deal with both short-term and long-term expenses and other damages.