New Kansas law would make drivers move over or slow down for stalled cars
Senate Bill 8 is uncontroversial in the Kansas Statehouse, passing both chambers without a single dissenting vote nor any opponent testimony during committee hearings. The bill is now heading to Gov. Laura Kelly's desk.
The law creates a $75 fine for unlawful passing of a stationary vehicle that has its hazard lights on or has deployed road flares or caution signals.
People are urged to switch lanes if possible, but if they can't are asked to slow to a "reasonable" and "prudent" speed. A similar law already existed, but only applied to stalled vehicles that were operated by law enforcement, emergency services, tow trucks, utility vehicles and garbage trucks.
"While Kansas existing 'Move Over' law is fairly strong, one glaring need for improvement was that regular folks changing a tire, dealing with an engine breakdown or other vehicle issues were NOT included in or protected by the law in the same way emergency responders and roadside workers are,' said Shawn Steward, public and government affairs manager for AAA Kansas. 'Everyone on the roadside, whether unplanned or there for their job, should enjoy the additional safety and awareness this enhancement will provide.'
The Kansas Department of Transportation statistics show that nearly 1,000 empty stalled vehicles were struck while on the side of the road between 2018 and 2023, resulting in the following:
Eight fatalities.
25 suspected serious injuries.
211 suspected minor injuries.
513 instances of damaged property.
Another 82 crashes occurred with someone in the car, resulting in the following:
2 deaths.
Four suspected serious injuries.
60 suspected minor injuries.
42 instances of property damage.
Every state has some form of "Move Over" laws, but Kansas would be the 26th state to move toward a universal model rather than specifying it for certain types of vehicles, like police cruisers.
Kansas nearly passed a similar bill last year, but it was bundled with two other bills that were less popular:
One would have increased the penalties for striking emergency vehicles that have stalled, and created felony crimes if emergency services personnel were struck or killed.
The other would have banned using cell phones while driving in a construction zone with workers present or a school zone during active hours.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansans must move or reduce speeds under uncontroversial bill
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