TULSA, Okla. — When drivers on the highway see a police officer pulled over with their lights on, usually they will give as much room as possible. Now, it's law to give that same courtesy to everyone.
Effective November 1, drivers approaching any stopped vehicle with flashing lights must move into a lane "that is not adjacent to the stationary vehicle," according to AAA. That means you must give one full lane of space between your vehicle and the one stopped on the shoulder.
According to AAA, if there is no additional lane, drivers must proceed with caution, reducing their speed to safely navigate traffic conditions.
"Nationwide, we lose a tow truck operator about once a week," said Mark Madeja, AAA Oklahoma Spokesperson. "This could save somebody's life."
If you are caught not moving over, you could face a $249 ticket.
AAA has responded to more than 204,000 roadside assistance calls so far this year in Oklahoma.
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