New York and other states have enacted what are known as “move over” laws. These laws are intended to protect New York police officers and other emergency vehicle workers as they work on New York highways, interstates, and other roadways. The law states that when approaching vehicles that have flashing lights, New York motorists should move over one lane to the left for safety. This law not only applies to emergency vehicles such as police vehicles, fire trucks, and ambulances; it has also been extended to cover any vehicles with flashing lights, including tow trucks and construction vehicles.
The Southeast-Brewster, New York Patch reports that a worker has been injured on I-684 after being struck by a car on Monday.
The incident happened at about 3:07 p.m. on Monday on northbound Interstate 684 in the town of Southeast.
A worker was picking up traffic cones at a New York Transportation Department worksite. The driver of a passing vehicle did not decrease its speed or move over a lane. Sadly, the worker was struck by the vehicle that was passing by.
48-year-old Richard N. Russo was northbound in the right lane driving a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado when he struck the worker.
The worker was identified as 41-year-old John Fitzpatrick of Bronx, New York. He was airlifted to Westchester Medical Center with injuries that were believed to be non-life-threatening.
At current, it is unclear whether charges are pending against Russo. The worker’s current health status has not yet been disclosed to the public.
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