Mo. lawmakers OK broadening 'move over' law

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) -- Missouri motorists could need to move over and give some additional space to state Transportation Department vehicles that are stopped along the road.

State law currently requires motorists to change lanes and yield for stopped emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and tow trucks and utility vehicles doing emergency work, provided drivers are safely able to do so. Newly approved state legislation would add state transportation agency vehicles with amber or white lights, including those marked those marked for emergency response or for motorist assistance.

Transportation officials praised the measure Monday and said it would help protect those who must work close to fast-moving traffic. Gov. Jay Nixon now is considering whether to sign the legislation into law after lawmakers gave final approval during their annual session that wrapped up last week.

"We're delighted the move over law has passed," said Beth Wright, the state maintenance engineer for Missouri Department of Transportation.

Expanding the "move over" law to cover its vehicles was among the year's legislative priorities for the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission.

Wright said there are 2,400 transportation employees who work each day near roadways. Since 2000, four workers have been killed on the job after being struck by a vehicle. This spring, crash cushions mounted on work trucks have been struck six times.