Road Improvement Work in Progress in Sheridan and Johnson Counties by WYDOT
In Wyoming, the Move Over law is now in effect on interstates and highways, protecting emergency vehicles, utility workers, tow-truck drivers, and even disabled vehicles from potential harm. The law requires motorists to give a safe clearance to these entities, slowing down and moving over when encountered on the road.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation District 4 has initiated seasonal paving operations in Johnson and Sheridan Counties. These road sections could be a few hundred feet or up to a mile long, and the duration of the paving operations may vary. To ensure the safety of workers during these operations, travel lanes may be closed, detours set up, and flagging operations employed to manage traffic.
Motorists are advised to slow down and move over when encountering maintenance, construction, and utility workers and vehicles. On roads with two or more lanes in the same direction, motorists must move to the farthest lane away from a stopped construction, maintenance, or utility vehicle. On a two-lane road where speeds are 45 mph or greater, motorists must slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
Failure to move over can result in a fine of $235. This fine is specifically noted as the penalty for failure to adhere to this Move Over requirement, indicating strong enforcement and significant consequences for non-compliance. It's essential for motorists to be aware of these rules to ensure the safety of themselves and the workers on the road.
While the exact detailed requirements (such as whether motorists must fully change lanes or just reduce speed) are not explicitly outlined, the law emphasizes slowing down and moving over to provide a buffer zone of safety for workers on the roadside. It's crucial to remember that minimal wait time is expected for motorists during these paving operations, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation is working hard to complete them as efficiently as possible.
Sources: [1] Wyoming Department of Transportation: Move Over Law [2] Wyoming Highway Patrol: Move Over Law [3] Wyoming Department of Transportation: Paving Operations [4] Wyoming Department of Transportation: Safety Tips for Paving Operations [5] Wyoming Highway Patrol: Fines and Penalties for Move Over Violations
In light of the Wyoming Department of Transportation's paving operations, it's crucial for motorists to exercise caution, especially when encountering workers in the industry sector, such as maintenance, construction, or utility crews. Additionally, emergencies in the transportation sector, like those involving disabled vehicles, can also require this safety measure.
