Multi-state initiative targets move-over violations to enhance road safety

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Highway Patrol has teamed up with the 6-State Trooper Project to address Move Over violations in a new high-visibility enforcement initiative. The operation commenced on Sunday, July 16, at 12:01 a.m. and will continue through Saturday, July 22, at 11:59 p.m.

This collaborative effort involves law enforcement agencies from Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP). The primary focus of the initiative is to raise awareness and enforce Move Over laws to protect officers and civilians on the road.

The importance of the initiative is underscored by the data. From 2018 until now, Ohio State Highway Patrol cruisers were involved in 61 crashes related to Move Over violations. During that period, 26,739 Move Over violation citations were issued. Tragically, these incidents resulted in the loss of two civilian lives and caused injuries to 56 officers and civilians. However, there has been a positive trend, as 2022 witnessed only 11 such crashes, marking a 38 percent decrease compared to 2021.

Colonel Charles A. Jones, the Patrol superintendent, stressed the critical importance of adhering to the Move Over law. He expressed concern over the frequent instances where drivers failed to move over, leading to dire consequences. The Move Over law in Ohio requires drivers to change lanes when approaching any vehicle with flashing or rotating lights parked on the roadside. If changing lanes is not feasible due to traffic or weather conditions, or the presence of a second lane is lacking, motorists must reduce their speed and proceed with caution. A similar Move Over law exists in all 50 states.

The 6-State Trooper Project represents a significant multi-state partnership among law enforcement agencies, dedicated to enhancing highway safety, conducting criminal patrols, and facilitating intelligence sharing.

The public is urged to play an active role in maintaining road safety by reporting drug activity, dangerous driving, or impaired drivers by calling #677 in Ohio or 911.