Legislation sponsored by Senator Declan O’Scanlon (R-Monmouth) designed to increase awareness of driver’s responsibilities and the “Move Over” law today cleared the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee.

“The best way to keep our citizens and law enforcement safe is to make sure that everyone is clearly informed of the process and their responsibilities. Many drivers might not realize they need to fully turn off the engine and radio, avoid sudden movements, and keep their hands in plain view of the officer,” O’Scanlon stated. “Furthermore people should know that a police officer is required to obtain certain documents and explain why you’ve been stopped.”

S-1688, a bipartisan effort sponsored by Senator Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May) and O’Scanlon, requires increased information and testing on driver and law enforcement officer’s responsibilities during a police stop. Additionally, it requires that the driver’s manual also include information on the “Move Over” law and subsequent testing.

“We continue to hear horror stories of our law enforcement officers being injured or worse because a driver didn’t slow down or change lanes when they saw the officer’s car stopped. We should be including information on the ‘Move Over’ law in our driver’s manuals and testing kids on it before we send them out on the roads. Additionally, we need people to remember that they have to move back over after they are safely able to, and stay out of the left lane except for passing.” O’Scanlon concluded.

O’Scanlon’s bill passed committee by a vote of 5-0; it now waits for a full vote on the Senate floor.