The South Bethany Police Department has gained recognition for their part to inform the public of the growing nationwide law, although, the “move over” law is a necessity for law enforcement safety wherever drivers travel. 
Coastal Point • RYAN SAXTON
This sign in South Bethany let’s travelers know about the new law, which took effect in January of 2007.
The law, which took effect in January 2007, states that any driver approaching an emergency vehicle stopped with its lights on is now required to move over at least one lane, if possible. If drivers are traveling on a two-lane road or are unable to move over due to traffic, they should use caution and slow down to at least 20 miles below the posted speed limit.
“Move Over, America,” as the awareness program is known, is a joint effort assembled by the National Association of Police Organization (NAPO), the National Safety Commission and National Sheriff’s Association.
According to their Web site, thousands of law enforcement officers are injured or killed by passing vehicles each year along the nation’s roads and highways. Over the past decade, the deaths of 151 officers nationwide resulted from accidents of drivers who did not move over. The fee for violating this law can reach a maximum fine of $56.50, with potential points on the violator’s driver’s license.
South Bethany has become the first town in the state to take direct measures throughout the area, in hopes of informing the public, by placing signs along Coastal Highway to let drivers know of the newly enforced law.
“There’s a big push for this law now,” said South Bethany Public Information Officer Cpl. Eric Watkins. “The problem is most people aren’t aware of it. There wasn’t the big initiative that you heard about with DUI’s and ‘Click It or Ticket.’”
The South Bethany Police Department was commended by the Delaware Office of Highway Safety for their project to erect the informational signs along the roadways.
Cpl. Michael Bruette of the Selbyville Police Department narrowly avoided becoming part of that statistic years ago, when he worked in the Town of Fenwick Island. While outside of his vehicle, conducting a DUI checkpoint, he was struck by a motorist, though he recovered.
Fenwick Island Chief William Boyden is now the chief of the Fenwick Island force, but the law is still essential, he noted. Delaware is one of the 43 states that enforces the law, although one of its closest neighbors does not.
Maryland (along with New Jersey; Washington, D.C.; Connecticut; Rhode Island; Massachusetts; Nebraska and Hawaii) does not yet mandate this law, which requires enforcement from state-bordering towns like Selbyville and Fenwick Island to be that much more aware.
“It’s difficult to teach everybody who comes over the state border,” said Boyden.
Fenwick Island Police have handed out brochures in hopes of limiting the danger that officers face with every traffic stop. Verbal warnings have been issued, as well, though the grace period is nearing its end.
“Sometimes, people are slow to catch on,” Boyden added. “When they’re on a highway, people want to get from point A to point B. Even if they see the flashing lights, they don’t think about an officer standing on the side of the road or a police car’s door opening up. It doesn’t click.
“It will take some time,” he added. “People are creatures of habit, but it will eventually catch on.”
For more information about the program or information about the law, contact your local police department or visit www.moveoveramerica.com online.