As I do very few accident calls, I don't have a lot of one-on-one interactions with law enforcement, but yesterday I had an opportunity to chat with a Deputy while I was hooking up a car out on I-75.
So, the car I was picking up was on the inside shoulder and as I was preparing to hook up - my beacons and flashers going - I noted an unmarked law enforcement SUV pull up behind the disabled vehicle. Nothing unusual there; I figured he was running traffic interference for me, so I took a few moments to walk back and thank him.
I said, "Just got here, I'll be a few minutes getting done". He replied that there was no hurry, he was running "Move Over" enforcement!
COOL! Those of you who have to work along highways know how stupid people can be when it comes to moving away from workers. Here in Florida, as in most states, it's the law; move over or slow to 20 mph under the posted limit as you pass.
Well, I thanked him profusely and headed back forward to continue my work. Before I could even get back to the disabled vehicle, I heard his engine rev and looked back to see him pull out with lights going. That's how long it took for some clueless driver to whiz by both of us. I should note that traffic was fairly light at the time; no excuse not to move over. In addition, where we were sitting was about a half mile past a non-exit overpass; as you come over that rise, you can see about two miles down the roadway, which is more than enough time to spot emergency beacons and move over. Someone got an expensive lesson in driving; that's a fine of $60-158 (can go as high as $500) plus, potentially, points on your license.
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