New Law Puts Tow Trucks In Md. 'Move Over' Category

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- Towing the line. Maryland already requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped, standing or parked on highways.

Pat Warren reports a new law puts tow trucks in that "move over" category.

Dominic Taylor has been answering AAA emergency calls for 10 years. Just last week, a tow truck operator was hit and killed assisting a customer in Virginia.

"Traffic is most dangerous when you're on the interstate. You always have to be aware of your surroundings. You never know what people are going to do," Taylor said.

The hit-and-run death of tow operator James Scheiber three years ago inspired his wife Jenna to lobby for a "move over" law for tow trucks.

"I think people are good. They would do it if they knew they were supposed to," said Jenna Schreiber.

"Move over" was one of hundreds of bills signed into law Monday.

"I've had cars come really close to me where it was really uncomfortable, but thank goodness for the new law. Maybe people will pay more attention these days," Taylor said.

"I saw the headlights and said, `This guy's not going to stop,'" said Scott Kowalewski, AAA Fleet Safety.

Kowalewski is a former state trooper who was rear-ended while investigating an accident. The law was originally passed to protect police and emergency responders. He is now a safety coordinator for AAA.

"Our goal at the end of the day is to have our tow truck drivers and our members arrive home safely to their family and friends," he said.

The new law takes effect Oct. 1.

The move over law for police and emergency vehicles has been in effect since 2010.

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