JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
For many Mississippi drivers, it's a law getting passed right up. However, it's one Cpl. Odis Easterling with the highway patrol says officers are constantly on the look out for.
"The primary reason for that law is officer safety," said Easterling.
It's called the "move over" law, requiring drivers to do just that.
"It's a hazard to be out there on the side of the road anyway," said Easterling.
The law went into effect back in 2007. When drivers on multiple lane highways approach any emergency or law enforcement vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside, they're required to move at least one lane away from that vehicle. That also goes for construction workers and utility crews.
There's also the option of slowing down, but that's only if a driver is unable to change lanes.
"A lot of people think, well, I couldn't move over. I've heard that before. The next thing to do is slow down. It should be natural instinct, slow down," said Easterling.
When the law first went into effect, Easterling says violators were often warned, but now he says there's no excuse. Not moving over can cost drivers about $200 and tickets are being handed out across the state.
"That law is not designed to hurt anybody. It's more or less to try to make it a little bit safer for a person to be outside of the vehicle," said Easterling.
For violators, dash cam video is even being used as evidence against them. Just because the officer may not be looking directly at you, the camera is constantly recording.
"If you pass and that officer is on the side of the road, you're still being videoed," said Easterling.
With the proof on the dash, Easterling says drivers need to give space or be ready to pull over instead of move over.
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