Law enforcement officers in Palm Beach County are receiving a stark reminder of the risks they could encounter while patrolling the area roadways. This, after several people - including two FHP Troopers - were hospitalized after a Sunday evening series of collisions. Some question whether Florida drivers are adequately following the 'Move Over Law'.
On Sunday night, two Troopers, a Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Captain, two civilian drivers and three children all sustained minor injuries near the exit ramp for Belvedere Road on Interstate 95 in West Palm Beach.
Investigators say it is possible that one of the civilian drivers failed to move over as FHP Troopers tried to slow traffic after a separate crash further down the road.
FHP Trooper Kenny Henry, who was not involved in the Sunday incident, says this could be a life-and-death lesson that everyone on the road needs to learn.
"I have an eight month old daughter and a wife at home and, like anybody else, I just want to go home at the end of my shift," he said.
On a two-lane roadway, you are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.
If the speed limit is 20 miles per hour or less, you must slow down to five miles per hour.
If you are driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer.