MELBOURNE, Fla. — At approximately 4:30AM today, a Melbourne Police Officer had stopped to assist a disabled vehicle on Eau Gallie Blvd near I-95.
The officer parked his marked patrol car behind the vehicle and activated the emergency light bar situated on the roof. While the officer was assisting the disabled motorist, another vehicle drove up behind the police car and struck the police car in the rear.
The officer was not in the vehicle at the time of the crash and not injured. The driver that struck the rear of the police car, Thanh Nguyen, 48 of Indialantic, also was not injured. The police car sustained approximately $4,500 dollars damage.
The Florida Highway Patrol conducted the investigation and cited Nguyen for careless driving.
Melbourne Police Department would like to remind motorist to follow Florida’s “Move Over Law”.
The Melbourne Police Department is currently investigating this incident and more information may be available at a later time. For additional information, please call the PIO phone number listed above.
If you have any information please call Crimeline: 1-800-423-TIPS (8477) or The Melbourne Police Department’s Crime Tip Line: 321-409-2259.
Move Over Tips From The Florida Department of Highway and Safety Website:
What should I do if I see an emergency vehicle parked on the side of the road with lights flashing?
When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a multi-lane road, you MUST move over by changing lanes away from the emergency vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. Motorists must vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle to prevent crashing into the emergency vehicle or any emergency workers performing their jobs in the area.
When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, you MUST slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit and approach with caution unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene.
What if I am not able to move over safely or change lanes away from the emergency vehicle?
If you are unable to move over or change lanes safely, you MUST slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
If I cannot change lanes safely should I stop my vehicle in the roadway?
No, you must slow down while maintaining a safe speed. You must not stop in the roadway or block the flow of traffic.
What can I do to prevent an accident when approaching an emergency vehicle, traffic congestion, a crash scene, or a construction area?
Stay alert! The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself and others is to pay attention behind the wheel. If you keep your eyes ahead of you on the road, pay attention to the activity around you (other vehicles, signs, etc.) you will be able to anticipate problems and react more quickly to any potentially dangerous events.
What can happen if I break Florida’s Move Over Law?
If you are caught, you will be issued a ticket and have to pay a fine.
More seriously, you could crash into an emergency vehicle or strike an emergency worker, causing serious injury or death. You could injure or kill another person or yourself.
Move Over Video: