As of Jan. 2, 2010, a new law is being enforced in almost every state. The “move over” law states after a driver sees a police officer, paramedic, or any other emergency aide pulled over on the side of the road with their lights flashing, they must slow down by 20 miles per hour and switch into the lane opposite the emergency situation.

While at first this law may seem simple, it actually complicates things once a person gets on the road. Of course, I am certainly in favor saving the lives of those emergency respondents who help citizens everyday, but this law seems like an odd way to go about it.

Although I have had my driver’s license for a little over a year, I find highway lane changes absolutely nerve-wracking. I tend to plan out my lane changes in advance, waiting until just the right moment when the coast is clear to switch. Most drivers agree: it is not safe to impulsively change lanes – especially on the freeway.

Luckily, the law does not demand a lane change; rather, it is more of a recommendation. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles Web site, “Drivers are required to move over and slow down when approaching a roadside emergency along a state highway or freeway.

“The law is designed to reduce the deaths of police officers, tow truck drivers, paramedics, and other emergency personnel who are aiding stranded or injured motorists. Use caution if lane changes are required.”

The repercussions for not following this law are not too stiff. The DMV says the fine for not slowing down and changing lanes should not exceed $50.

Fresno City College student Jillian Bonior, a co-worker and close friend of mine, says the law will take some adjustment of personal driving style.

“I think the law is a good safety precaution, but if not many people are aware of it, then it will cause more harm than it will good,” Bonior said. “I plan on following this law to the best of my ability, but I’m not going to get myself in a car accident over it.

“I think law enforcement is a huge contribution to our society, and they deserve as much common courtesy on the road as we regular drivers do.”

While I agree with Bonior’s statements, this law still frustrates me, because I can picture a potential problem in my mind. In my hypothetical situation, I see a police officer with his lights on by the right side of the road, so I slow down from going 70 mph to 50 and switch into the left lane.

All around me, cars are zooming past. People are honking at me and giving me dirty looks. I am exasperated; after all, I am the one following the law. And of course, the police officer does not pull any of the speeding vehicles over.

This picture is not in the least far-fetched. In fact it will probably happen to me someday. Had the new law had more publicity, it would definitely be much more effective.

Additionally, I do not see the benefit in slowing down by 20 mph. If someone is not paying attention to the point where they actually hit a police officer, for example, then they are definitely not going to be paying enough attention to follow some relatively unheard of law.

I agree with what legislators are trying to do – they believe they are stopping unnecessary deaths of emergency personnel. However, I disagree with the way they are going about it.

According to the Move Over America campaign, “More than 150 U.S. law enforcement officers have been killed since 1999 after being struck by vehicles along America’s highways, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund.”

I wish these 150 police officers had not died. However, in a country with more than 300 million citizens, this is a remarkably low number. If we only have 150 police-killing problems on the road out of some 300 million people, that is something we should be commended for.

Does this mean I will speed on by a flashing ambulance? Probably not. However, I think laws might make more sense if legislators thought about it from citizens’ perspectives.

For more information, check out the California DMV’s office.

For more of features editor Sydney Ray’s columns, check out Sessions with Sydney.