The South Dakota Department of Transportation is asking motorists to “Move Over” when they approach SDDOT maintenance vehicles with flashing amber or yellow lights. Those lights indicate workers are in the area and likely outside of their vehicles.
SDDOT Region engineer Craig Smith says motorists are becoming accustomed to moving over for Highway Patrol, police, fire or other emergency vehicles, but don’t always offer the same courtesy to Department of Transportation vehicles displaying the flashing amber or yellow lights.
Smith says SDDOT has posted signs to remind drivers to give workers some space.
Smith says like everyone, highway workers want to safely do their job and go home at the end of the day.
The law requires drivers traveling on an interstate or highway with more than two lanes to move over to the farthest lane of traffic when they come upon any stopped vehicle with flashing lights. On two-lane highways, motorists must slow to a speed that is at least 20 miles-per-hour less than the posted speed limit, or slow to 5 miles-per-hour when the speed limit is posted at 20 miles-per-hour, unless otherwise directed. In all cases, motorists should proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed. A violation of the Move Over Law is a Class 2 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of $200 and/or 60 days in jail.
