Maryland’s ‘Move Over’ law has caused some buzz in the news as it is being expanded to protect more drivers from the dangers of being on the side of the road. Move over laws are important to take note of because it makes what is often a common courtesy into law. Changing lanes to avoid stranded or working vehicles can save lives. That is what the Maryland law aims to do by increasing the scope of protected vehicles from tow trucks, service vehicles, and emergency vehicles to any vehicle with their flashers on. Sometimes legal talk can be confusing, but in this post, we’ll talk about the ‘Move Over’ law and how you can avoid fines and keep others safe!

Moving on Over

All 50 states in the United States have move over laws that are enforced, though the exact vehicles protected varies. For Maryland, Governor Larry Hogan just signed a bill that makes the move over law applicable to any “disabled vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals or warning lights.” While it is called the ‘Move Over’ law, it does not mean that you must always move over as it is sometimes impossible. It does mean that you must slow down to a safe speed and possibly move over if you can, giving as much leeway to the disabled vehicles, emergency/service vehicles, or tow trucks.

What the Law Means for Drivers

Trucks are obviously much larger than civilian vehicles, which often makes fully moving over a challenge and lawmakers most certainly understand that. If you can’t move over, slow down as much as necessary and give room to the vehicle. Failing to move over can result in a fine of $500 in Maryland. All the other states enforce this law as well with varying fine amounts. 

The only change for drivers to watch out for is vehicles with their hazards or other warning signals and slowing down or moving over will suffice for abiding by the law. This is a law that makes sense and that everyone can get behind, because it only takes a few seconds to follow it and it will save countless lives. 

A Safer Road for All

Laws like the ‘Move Over’ law are instilled to keep both commercial, emergency, service, civilian vehicles, and their drivers safe from the hazards of the roads. Taking just a second to move over or slow down, giving space and ample warning to the people in the stalled vehicle can mean the difference between life and death. Taking the initiative to make a safer road space for all will decrease travel times and increase transport efficiency by reducing the slowdowns caused by wrecks.

Final Thoughts

Maryland has decided that the ‘Move Over’ law applies to all vehicles, which will help protect everyone from service workers to emergency responders and people with car troubles. This is a great step for saving lives! As always, staying alert and watching for stalled vehicles, or other traffic hazards, will make the roads more efficient and accessible! 

Trucking is one of the world’s greatest industries. There are many benefits including competitive pay, travel opportunities, and opportunities to advance in the field. Becoming a driver is hard work and with a few years of experience, you will likely see that driving is very fulfilling financially and otherwise! It may seem like there are roadblocks to driving if you’re new to the career, but many companies will train you for free! So, if you’re in the market for a new career, we urge you to check out truck driving!

A Wonderful New Career

Truck driving is no longer just an old man’s industry. The media likes to portray the modern-day driver as being an older man. Though most drivers are older, there is an increasingly diverse community of drivers in the industry. Truck driving is not for everyone, but for those who enjoy traveling all over the country, providing real world solutions, and having time to think while on the job, trucking may be right for you! 

If you think you’re interested, doing some research is a great first step! There are many careers in the trucking industry, some of which don’t require driving. There are plenty of administrative positions available in larger companies. However, if you are starting out as a driver you also have options between regional and long-haul routes. Depending on which company you choose, you can be traveling along major highways across the United States or learning your local region inside and out while bringing goods to their final destinations. 

In-Demand Hires

It is important to remember when choosing a career that you choose one that is sustainable and will not go away any time soon. While some careers sound appealing, job security is becoming increasingly more important in the modern world. With trucking it is not likely that the industry will ever go away, as it has consistently seen increases in business since its establishment as an industry. Logistical transport of goods from suppliers to final locations is exactly what makes the United States economy run so efficiently and taking drivers out of the equation would be catastrophic.

Building a Lasting Career

As a truck driver, you know your work matters and makes a real difference in the lives of people across the nation. Even if you will never meet most of the people that you serve, they will be incredibly thankful for the cargo you bring to their locale. You will face challenges as a driver including being away from home, the dangers of the road, and possibly boredom from longer drives, but if you find the driving enjoyable you can create a very long and successful career out of it!

Final Thoughts

If you’re newly graduated and unsure of what you’d like to do for a career, truck driving may be a great opportunity for you to make some money, explore the world, and gain experience. You may just fall in love with America’s most important industry and find a lifelong fulfilling career. Do your research and stay curious, as a new grad you have a lot to offer to the world!