Police release surveillance video showing 4 officers struck by a vehicle; Joint ‘Move Over Law’ campaign announced

Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph D. Coronato today announced Ocean County Law Enforcement will bring together their policing partnership to promote New Jersey’s “Move Over Law”.

This initiative is in response to a recent Manchester Township Police incident and numerous other reported near misses during roadside motor vehicle activity. The Manchester Township accident and near misses can be easily prevented if the parameters of the Move-Over-Law were followed. The holiday weekend public awareness campaign hopes to educate drivers on the law that all 50 states have enacted, but few drivers seem to be aware even exists.

Prosecutor Coronato stated, “Making roadway traffic or emergency stops is one of the most dangerous functions law enforcement officers and emergency responders do in the line of duty. Drivers are drawn to emergency vehicle lights by what police call the “Moth Effect”. From 2003 – 2013, 138 officers were struck and killed on our Nation’s highways. This is a disturbing statistic that can easily be addressed through awareness of this simple law.”

Coronato continued, “Police in all Ocean County municipalities have agreed this weekend to use roadside variable message signs within their jurisdictions and to distribute the below attached flyer to those observed not complying with the law to help in raising awareness. I commend and thank all Ocean County Chiefs for their cooperation and efforts in such an important driver education campaign.”

Beyond the holiday weekend enforcement detail, Manchester Township Police Department at the direction of Chief Lisa Parker has produced an outstanding video promoting the “Move Over Law” in response to the August 9th incident where four Manchester Township PD Officers were on a MV stop resulting in the vehicle being struck. Three of the officers narrowly escaped serious injury, however, a fourth was injured seriously and remains off duty recovering. Chief Parker called on Prosecutor Coronato to form the collaborative effort by all OC chiefs in response to this and other reported close calls. Click the download link below to view the video:

Manchester Township Police Chief Lisa Parker stated, “Motor vehicle stops are a part of the job for our patrol officers, but we all have a responsibility to pay attention. When you see flashing lights, slow down and move over if you can. Many officers have lost their lives due to distracted drivers who fail to observe the move over law. Please take a minute, slow down and move over. As evident from this photo showing the tire imprint left on one of my officer’s uniform pant leg, my officer’s lives are depending on you.”

New Jersey enacted the law in 2009 aimed at reducing death or injuries to roadside emergency workers such as police officers, ambulance drivers and tow truck operators. Upon seeing an emergency vehicle it is the responsibility of the operator of a motor vehicle approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with flashing, blinking or alternating red or blue lights to cautiously make a lane change into a lane not adjacent to the emergency vehicle if possible based on the existing safety and traffic conditions. If a lane change is impossible, prohibited by law or unsafe, drivers are required to reduce their speed below the posted speed limit and be prepared to stop. The law covers an “authorized emergency vehicle“ which is any vehicle operated by the fire department, police department, ambulance services and tow trucks responding to an emergency call or assisting stranded motorists.

New Jersey is one of thirty states that requires drivers to also change lanes or reduce speed for parked tow trucks with flashing amber lights and highway maintenance or emergency service vehicles with flashing yellow, amber or red lights. A tow truck is any vehicle equipped with a sling or tilted bed designed to tow or recover vehicles.

New Jersey’s Move Over law is designed to save lives and prevent injuries. A driver found guilty of violating New Jersey’s “Move Over Law” faces a punishment of $100 to $500. Additional information on this important topic can also be found at: http://www.njsaferoads.com/move-over-law/.

Sadly, holiday weekends can be a dangerous time on New Jersey roadways due to added traffic volume, over jealous celebrations resulting in impaired operation and excited inattentive drivers. During the 2017 Labor Day holiday, 4 persons lost their lives in 4 motor vehicle accidents along New Jersey roadways. Three of the crashes involved alcohol and/or drugs. One of the four deaths occurred on the Garden State Parkway in Ocean Township, Ocean County. The NJ State Police noted that 355 people have died in traffic-related accidents so far this year (Jan. 1 through August 28, 2018) compared to 371 highway deaths recorded during the same period last year (2017).

The 2018 Labor Day holiday officially begins at 1800 hours on Friday, Aug. 31 and continues through 0559 hours, Tuesday, Sept. 4.

 

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1 COMMENT

  1. Most probably the cops were sticking out, as they leave be to do. Blocking the roads at ridiculous angles.
    The biggest danger is the motorists who try switching lanes bec of the law

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