ALBANY — Going into the 4th of July weekend, when millions of New Yorkers will be hitting the roads to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the New York State Troopers PBA is issuing a holiday weekend reminder to follow the state’s Move Over Law, which mandates that drivers take precautions such as slowing down and moving over when any vehicle is stopped along a roadway.

 “This year, a concerning trend of Troopers, who selflessly dedicate themselves to serving New Yorkers every day, getting caught in dangerous incidents because drivers are not exercising caution has already emerged,” said New York State Troopers PBA President Charles W. Murphy. “Routine traffic stops can become dangerous when drivers fail to exercise caution, which is why Move Over is not a suggestion, but a law. Everyone deserves to make it home safely this 4th of July, but everyone will need to do their part to make this a reality.”

 Struck-by incidents — when a law enforcement officer is hit by a motorist while working outside their patrol vehicle — are one of the leading causes of injury-related death in policing. There have already been 11 struck-by fatalities nationwide in 2026 alone, according to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. 

 Over the 4th of July in 2025, Troopers wrote more than 300 tickets for Move Over violations and more than 10,000 tickets total for speeding, distracted driving and other violations. 

 “Spending a few extra minutes getting to your destination is well worth the lives that will be saved,” Murphy said. “Our message to drivers is simple: Slow down, move over and stay safe.”