"Move Over Law" goes into effect Tuesday

PITTSBURGH (Newsradio 100.1 FM and AM 1020 KDKA) – "Move Over Law" will go into effect across Pennsylvania beginning Tuesday.

Act 105, or the "Move Over Law," requires drives to take proactive steps when approaching or passing a disable vehicle.

The law was lauded by state Rep. Nick Pisciottano on Monday in front of family members of Scott Hirsh, who was struck and killed by a distracted driver as he changed a tire on his camper while pulled off onto the shoulder of the road, and used road flares and caution signs.

"Act 105 will require drivers to move over to one lane, or if that's not possible, to pass the disabled vehicle at a rate of no more than 20 miles per hour less than the roadway's posted speeding limit. While Scott Hirsh did everything correctly when his vehicle became disabled, an amendment that was adopted into the law includes a provision to further protect disabled vehicles and increase penalties for drivers who fail to move over or slow down."

"The day my dad was killed, he did everything right," Christian Hirsh said. "He had all the right equipment, practiced road safety and thought he would quickly change his tire and be on his way. The Move Over law will benefit drivers who practice roadside safety like he did. It is a much-needed law with the number of drivers on the road, and I think it will benefit everyone and hopefully will lower the number of accidents and deaths on highways."

"My husband Scott was a registered nurse in the open-heart unit for 31 years and saved many lives while on duty," Cheryl Hirsh said. "This enhanced law will allow him to continue to save lives."

"This law is a crucial step in the right direction toward keeping everyone on Pennsylvania's shoulders safe," said Jim Garrity, public and legislative affairs manager of AAA East Central. "Triple A applauds Governor Wolf and the Pennsylvania legislature on implementing this law, and we encourage motorists statewide to familiarize themselves with the law and the penalties for violating it."

Act 105 doubles fines for a summary offense and establishes a new point system for a "Move Over" violation.