The Catskill Chronicle

Compiled by Carol Montana

NEW YORK STATE, (December 29, 2010) – New York State motorists are now required by law to move over and slow down when encountering emergency vehicles on New York’s roads and highways.

The “Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act” was signed into law during the summer, and took effect on January 1, 2011.

The act is named in honor of New York State Trooper Robert W. Ambrose (photo left) and Onondaga County Sheriff Deputy Glenn M. Searles (photo right), who were both killed in the line of duty while their patrol vehicles were stopped on the side of the road, and to honor others who have tragically lost their lives on the highways while serving the public.

“This law will work to safeguard the emergency personnel who protect us day and night as we travel. The ‘Ambrose-Searles Act’ is a common-sense approach that will work to prevent avoidable collisions with emergency personnel …,” said former NY Governor David Paterson. 

The “Move Over Act” requires drivers to reduce speed on all New York State roads or highways when encountering an authorized emergency vehicle which is parked, stopped or standing on the shoulder with its emergency lights activated.

Further provisions require drivers on parkways, interstates and other controlled-access highways with multiple lanes, to move from the lane immediately adjacent to the emergency vehicle, unless traffic or other hazards prevent them from doing so safely.

Since 1999, more than 160 law-enforcement officers have been struck and killed by vehicles while performing police duties along America’s highways. “Move Over” laws have been enacted in most states nationwide in order to prevent these tragedies.

Locally, Trooper Nathaniel Burroughs (photo left) was killed on a dangerous stretch of Route 17 in Wurtsboro on February 14, 1997. The 30-year-old State Trooper was struck by a car that had been hit by a tractor trailer.

A violation of the “Ambrose-Searles Move Over Act” is punishable by a fine of up to $275, plus mandatory court surcharges. It will also result in two points on the driver’s license record.