Principal traffic incident management laws that relate to responder safety and safe, quick clearance:
Indiana Move Over Law
- IC-9-21-8-35 Vehicles displaying flashing lights; yield right-of-way; violation
- The law requires that all motorists move over or slow down when approaching a disabled vehicle (with flashing hazard lights activated). Drivers who fail to switch lanes when approaching a disabled vehicle on the side of the road that has its flashers on could receive a Class B infraction. This goes for drivers on all Indiana roads, including two-lane roads where moving over a lane might not be possible. In this case, or in the event you can't safely switch lanes on a four-lane road, drivers should slow down to 10 mph below the speed limit to avoid a violation.
Indiana Move It Law
- IC-9-26-1-1.2 Duties of driver of motor vehicle involved in an accident resulting in traffic obstruction; violation
- Driver removal laws require drivers to move their vehicles out of travel lanes when they are involved in minor crashes with no serious injuries. The operator shall not move the motor vehicle if the accident involves the transportation of hazardous materials; or results in injury or death of a person or the entrapment of a person in a vehicle. A person who violates this subsection commits a Class C infraction.
Indiana Limited Liability Law / Hold Harmless Law
- IC-9-22-1-32 Liability for loss or damage to vehicle or vehicle parts
- Provide authority (and immunity from liability in general) for designated public agencies to remove vehicles and/or spilled cargo from the roadway to traffic flow. Serious injury or fatality does not always preclude removal. Often contain a Hold Harmless clause.
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
- Federal standard for all traffic control nationwide
- It also covers all workers on all streets, roadways, or highways