Ask A Deputy

Q: When can drivers of cars in an accident move the cars to the side of the road? After an officer is there? Or when?

A: Not only can you move a car to the side of the road before a deputy arrives, Florida law encourages it.

If a damaged or disabled vehicle is obstructing traffic, the driver must make every reasonable effort to safely move it or have it moved.

If the driver is unable to move it on his own, he should ask for help. Moving a disabled car out of traffic improves emergency response times, reduces crash-related congestion and subsequent accidents, and makes the scene safer for deputies and other emergency responders.

Question sent to CCSO by Bill McGrath of Naples