Roadside officials risk their lives every day when they step out of their vehicles into oncoming traffic. Cars are often zooming by, motorists are distracted, and in most cases, the weather isn’t cooperative. It’s our job as motorists to make their working conditions better by slowing down or moving over a lane in compliance to Move Over laws. But sometimes motorists need to be reminded to move over, especially when there is a build up of traffic and they are rushing to their destination.
We are proud to announce the launch of the SRN Magnetic Privacy Panel, a privacy screen fitted with industrial magnets to adhere to any steel surface. The simple magnetic sign adheres to the back of any vehicle to encourage oncoming traffic to slow down and move over to ensure the safety of those on the road.
The magnets in the message strip are strategically sewn around a 500 denier all-weather resistant nylon fabric that is strong enough to withstand tough conditions and treatment. The panel is 13.5 inches wide and 95 inches in length. It can include any message written in reflective lettering including, move over, slow down, stop, yield, officials at work, caution or hazard.
The SRN Magnetic Privacy Panel is small, portable and easy to use. Simply hold it against the steel surface you wish to conceal, and the magnets lock into place. Although strong enough to adhere to any steel surface, the magnets will not cause dents or nicks to paint. The panel is small enough to fold up and store away in your glove box.
It’s important to note that the magnetic message strip is not meant for use while driving. Depending on how the strip is fastened to a vehicle, it obscures vision through the rear window, or blocks off rear headlights. Only use the SRN Magnetic Privacy Panel on a parked vehicle to convey your message to passing traffic.
Move Over Laws were introduced in 1971, but they are among the most commonly ignored laws of the road because motorists treat them as suggestions. According to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 17,000 citations were issued in 2018 to motorists who failed to move over.
Move Over laws are applicable in most states, including Florida. They require that a driver move over a lane, if physically possible, for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility services vehicles, tow trucks and wrecks. Motorists must also slow to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. If the speed limit is 20 mph, it’s required that you slow down to 5 mph. Complying to the enforced rules creates less risk for you and other drivers on the road to crash into another vehicle or roadside official. Failing to adhere to these rules will result in a fine, fees and points on your driving record.
The unfortunate reality is that despite the laws creation, some roadside officials don’t make it home to their loved ones. The FBI reports that of the 47 law enforcement officers who died as the result of accidents that occurred in the line of duty in 2017, six were pedestrian officers struck by vehicles. Two of the officers were assisting or investigating vehicle crashes, one was assisting a motorist, and one was deploying or providing equipment. Two officers were struck by vehicles in other situations.
To create awareness, January has been named Move Over Month, a month-long campaign to educate motorists on Move Over Laws. The Florida Police Chiefs Association has partnered with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles to urge motorists to move over for emergency and service vehicles stopped along the roadway. We couldn’t be happier to help them achieve their goals with the magnetic message strip.
The magnetic message strip works perfectly in conjunction with the SRN 1000 Premier Barrier System that can conceal sensitive areas of an accident and prevent motorists from distractively looking away from the road. Rubbernecking is a hazard that is often overlooked at the scene of an accident. When curious motorists look at an accident that has just occurred, the attention they require to drive safely is minimized. But if sensitive areas are concealed, motorists can focus on the road ahead. The Premier Barrier System is easy to assemble and can also be used to secure a crime scene.
Although perfect for cars, the magnetic message strip can be used in a variety of ways. Whether it be a car, a door, an RV or garage storage unit, the SRN Magnetic Privacy Panel can conceal private areas from onlookers.
Providing privacy, safety, and security is always at the heart of what we do. Join us to ensure all law enforcement, first responders, service and utility workers and Road Rangers arrive alive in 2019 by slowing down and moving over!