Rarely needed, Move Over Law has little effect on Saugus roads

SAUGUS – It has been nearly one month since the new Move Over Law was put into effect, but thus far it is having little effect on traffic in town.The Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes, providing they can do so safely, so they are not immediately adjacent to any emergency vehicles.Emergency vehicles include police, fire, ambulances as well as roadside assistance workers pulled over to aid motorists and public safety personnel working traffic details.Failure to comply could result in a $100 fine.While state troopers have reportedly handed out several tickets, Police Lt. Michael Annese admitted they have not seen much action in regards to the new law.”I haven’t seen much issued on it but at least it gives officers something to use when they do have a problem,” he said. “Before we had no sort of recourse.” Annese said a perfect example of how the law could be enacted is along Route 107. Narrowed on both sides by construction work, Annese said it’s a tough road to navigate under good conditions and is increasingly worse with the extensive ongoing roadwork. Officers working traffic details could cite drivers who fail to give full clearance to workers or fail to get out of the way for emergency vehicles.Annese said while drivers would likely be summonsed if there is an incident, rather than stopped and ticketed on the spot. Drivers who are stopped, however, should check their reactions because, attitude, Annese said, is everything.He said drivers with a “so what attitude” will not sit well with public safety personnel who put their lives in danger by speeding to the scene of an accident or crime or even to simply stop along the road to help someone.”Intent is the main thing,” Annese said.Fire Chief James Blanchard agreed.He said when his men come upon a driver who won’t yield to sirens or who gives them an inappropriate gesture, they will take action. The firefighter riding in the passenger seat will note the license plate number and will file a report.”A lot of the time it’s for an erratic driver,” he added.Blanchard said he applauds any law that might make things safer, but said he is afraid people are confused by this new ruling.”A lot of people believe it means for them to move to the right,” he said. “Actually they’re supposed to move over one lane for us, they’re supposed to give us a whole lane.”For example, Blanchard said, if crews are operating in the breakdown lane drivers need to move into the travel lane so there is a an empty lane between the two parties.”It’s a great law, I’m happy to see it,” he said. “Anything we can get to make it a little safer out there is good.”Blanchard said another new rule his men must comply with is wearing reflective safety vests any time they respond to a scene on a federal highway. While firefighter turn-out gear is covered in reflective material, Blanchard said it’s not enough to meet new safety standards. Therefore Blanchard has had to buy the special safety vests for his crew.”The only exception is if we’re fighting a fire,” he said. “They’re not flame retardant.”