This Terrifying MaineDOT Video is a Great Reminder to Stay Alert While Driving
We've all seen it driving up and down the Turnpike countless times -- some kind of emergency vehicles pulled over in the breakdown lane. Whether it's some kind of road construction going on (like we've seen lately around the site of the old York Toll Booth section, or will see coming up on I-295 with the Veranda Plan next weekend), or an unlucky driver going a little bit too fast for Maine State Troopers' liking (like yours truly earlier this week).
Maine Move Over Law
Back in 2007, Maine Legislation instated its Move Over Law, which requires, according to Maine.gov:
"The operator of a vehicle passing a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using an emergency light or a stationary public service vehicle using its authorized lights, with due regard to the safety and traffic conditions (to): Pass in a lane not adjacent to that of the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle, if possible; or if passing in a nonadjacent lane is impossible or unsafe, pass the emergency vehicle or public service vehicle at a careful and prudent speed reasonable for passing the authorized emergency vehicle or public service vehicle safely."
Basically, if you're approaching an oncoming vehicle in the breakdown lane, don't be a jerkface and switch over to the lane to your left. And if you're unable to because there are cars driving alongside you, be a good human and slow down so disaster doesn't happen.
MaineDOT gave us a scary reminder
A couple of days ago, since we all need a reminder of things every now and then throughout life, MaineDOT dropped this terrifying video (which is actually three police dashcam videos in one) showing exactly why a law like the Maine Move Over Law exists.
And quite honestly, especially considering Maine State Troopers and just any police officer anywhere has enough to worry about on a daily basis, moving over to another lane for them so they're not feet away from 70-80 mph traffic with their back to it all is the least we can do for them (or any other motorist in the breakdown lane, really.)
As a reminder, failure to comply with the Maine Move Over Law can result in you getting some nice quality time with a police officer on the side of the road and a minimum of a $350 donation to the State. Probably worth just flicking the blinker and moving to the left for 10 seconds.