What is the purpose of the "move over" law?

The "move over" law is designed primarily to enhance the safety of emergency responders who are working on or near the roadside. When vehicles are stopped with their lights flashing—such as police cars, ambulances, and tow trucks—it is crucial for passing drivers to either change lanes or slow down significantly to avoid potential accidents. This law helps reduce the risk of collisions and injuries for both emergency personnel and drivers by ensuring that there is a safe distance between the moving traffic and the workers on the side of the road. Such safety measures are especially important in high-traffic areas where speeds can be high, and visibility may be limited.

The other options do not accurately reflect the intent of the "move over" law. Speeding past emergency vehicles can create dangerous situations, while the law is not aimed at protecting cars from tickets or addressing traffic congestion directly. Instead, it is focused on ensuring that emergency responders can safely perform their duties without the constant threat of being struck by passing vehicles.