National Move Over Day

Two people helping each other move furniture, one wearing a stylish hat and the other in casual clothing, amidst a sunny neighborhood backdrop.. — National move over day illustration

Move over, because it's time to give National Move Over Day the recognition it deserves! Whether you're dodging traffic or simply rearranging your furniture, this national day celebrates the importance of always making room for others. So put on your best moving shoes and let's dive into the fascinating history of National Move Over Day!

When is Move Over Day?

It's national move over day on the 19th October.

The Birth of National Move Over Day

Every year on October 19th, National Move Over Day reminds us of the critical need to move over and give space to emergency vehicles. The origins of this observance trace back to the rise of social media and the power of viral campaigns.

The buzz around National Move Over Day began in 2014 when a video showing an emergency crew narrowly escaping a serious accident went viral. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by first responders while trying to assist others on the road. Outraged citizens took to social media, demanding change and awareness.

Driven by these passionate voices, National Move Over Day gained momentum online and quickly became a global movement. It's a day that serves as a powerful reminder to drivers everywhere that saving a few seconds is never worth jeopardizing the safety of those who selflessly put themselves in harm's way to help others.

Spreading Awareness and Promoting Safety

Since its inception, National Move Over Day has inspired countless individuals and organizations to take action. Police departments, fire stations, and emergency services around the world organize events and educational campaigns, spreading awareness about the importance of moving over for emergency vehicles.

But National Move Over Day isn't just about emergency vehicles. It encourages a broader message of being considerate and making room for others in all aspects of life. Whether it's giving your loved ones space to express themselves, sharing the last slice of pizza, or simply creating a bit of extra room in your schedule, National Move Over Day reminds us to practice kindness and consideration every day.

Did You Know?

In honor of National Move Over Day, let's take a fun little detour and learn an interesting fact about the concept of moving over. Did you know that the phrase 'move over' originated from the world of sports? It was initially used to urge athletes in a team sport to make room for their teammates and create better plays. Now, it has evolved into a phrase that encompasses everything from emergency response to personal relationships. Isn't that neat?

History behind the term 'Move Over'

1913

The birth of the automotive era

The term 'move over' originated in the early 20th century with the rise of the automotive era. In 1913, as more and more automobiles hit the roads, the need for a clear and organized traffic system became evident. With the increase in traffic, situations would arise where one vehicle needed to change lanes or pass another. This led to the development of a simple gesture or command to indicate the intention to move over.

1927

The hand signal

In 1927, hand signals became an essential part of driving. The move over gesture consisted of extending the left arm and pointing towards the left, indicating the intention to change lanes. This hand signal not only communicated the driver's intention but also served as a warning to other drivers to make way.

1952

Introduction of turn signals

The widespread adoption of turn signals in the 1950s revolutionized the way drivers indicated their intentions. With the introduction of turn signals, it became easier and safer to communicate the desire to change lanes or make a turn. However, the move over hand signal remained a valuable non-verbal communication tool, especially in situations where turn signals were not available or malfunctioning.

1996

Legal recognition and enforcement

In 1996, many jurisdictions began legally recognizing and enforcing the move over concept. Laws were put in place to mandate that drivers must yield or move over to allow emergency vehicles and law enforcement to safely pass. The move over laws aimed to improve the safety of emergency responders and reduce accidents caused by traffic congestion.

Recent years

Expanding to broader meanings

In recent years, the term 'move over' has expanded beyond its original traffic-related context. It has taken on a broader meaning symbolizing the act of giving space or yielding in various situations. Whether it's making way for someone in a crowded area, allowing others to speak, or showing respect for personal boundaries, 'move over' has become a metaphor for kindness, consideration, and empathy in our daily interactions.