As millions of New Yorkers prepare to travel for the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association is reminding motorists to obey the state’s Move Over Law to help protect law enforcement officers and other emergency personnel working along roadways.
The law requires drivers to slow down and move over whenever possible when approaching stopped emergency vehicles and other authorized vehicles with flashing lights.
New York State Troopers PBA President Charles W. Murphy said the reminder comes amid a troubling increase in incidents involving Troopers being struck or nearly struck by passing vehicles while conducting traffic stops and other roadside duties.
“Routine traffic stops can become dangerous when drivers fail to exercise caution, which is why Move Over is not a suggestion, but a law,” Murphy said. “Everyone deserves to make it home safely this Fourth of July, but everyone will need to do their part to make this a reality.”
According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, struck-by incidents remain one of the leading causes of line-of-duty deaths involving law enforcement officers. The organization reports there have already been 11 struck-by fatalities nationwide in 2026.
The PBA also noted that during the 2025 Fourth of July holiday weekend, New York State Police issued more than 300 tickets for Move Over Law violations and more than 10,000 citations overall for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic offenses.
Murphy urged drivers to slow down and use caution whenever they encounter emergency responders on the roadside, saying the extra time it takes to safely pass a stopped vehicle can help save lives.
