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DPS issues reminder to drivers of move-over law during holiday weekend

Posted at 9:53 PM, Jul 02, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-03 01:39:38-04

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is on the lookout this weekend for drivers not obeying the state’s “Move Over” law.

According to AAA, more drivers are expected to hit the roads this holiday weekend than last year. The increased traffic makes it more likely there will be crashes, pull-overs and those needing roadside assistance.

Armed with that knowledge, DPS troopers are reminding drivers that the law applies to all emergency vehicles with flashing lights, whether stationary or moving.

RELATED: Click here to read the full statute

“Arizona’s Move Over law is a very simple law to follow, and doing so will help save lives this holiday weekend and everyday going forward,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Lugo in a news release.

Drivers like Amber and Donna Pritchett are staying especially cautious this weekend.

"[With] my granddaughter we have to be safe with her so it's safety first all the way,” said Donna Pritchett.

The fine for violating the “Move Over” law can reach up to $650.

"People actually run into other people all the time and I've actually seen people's doors get taken off just by driving down the freeway. They've been broken down on the side and I've seen people get hit and their doors taken off and everything because drivers are careless out there,” said Amber Pritchett.

DPS says two people have already died in roadside accidents this year after vehicles failed to move over.

On June 13, a car hit and killed a worker on the Loop 101 in Scottsdale. Earlier this month a truckhit and killed a tow truck driver on I-10 near Benson.