Speeding and Distracted Driving Endanger Lives of Essential Workers**
Speeding and Distracted Driving Endanger Lives of Essential Workers**
Forney, TX – Each day, countless law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and road maintenance crews work diligently on Texas highways, often at great personal risk due to high-speed traffic and distracted driving. Tragically, many of these workers suffer injuries or fatalities while performing their critical duties. To mitigate these dangers, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is reminding drivers to adhere strictly to the state’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law.
While many drivers understand the need to yield to first responders, Texas law mandates that motorists not only pull over for emergency vehicles but also create a safer distance by moving over a lane—or reducing their speed to 20 mph below the posted limit—when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders, and TxDOT vehicles that are stopped with their overhead lights activated.
In 2023, penalties for non-compliance with this law were heightened. Offenders may face fines up to $1,250 for a first violation. Additionally, those whose reckless driving results in serious injuries could be subject to jail time and fines reaching $4,000.
“The individuals who maintain our roads and ensure the safety of Texans deserve protection while they work,” said a TxDOT spokesperson. To promote this message, the “Be Safe. Drive Smart” public awareness campaign encourages all drivers to move over or slow down when approaching traffic stops, crash scenes, or highway construction zones.
The “Move Over or Slow Down” law outlines specific driver responsibilities:
- Stay Alert: Be vigilant and aware when approaching roadside law enforcement, emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles, and TxDOT vehicles with flashing lights.
- Change Lanes: When safe, move over to a lane that is not adjacent to these vehicles.
- Reduce Speed: If changing lanes is not feasible, slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit. For roads with a speed limit of 25 mph or less, reduce speed to 5 mph.
Originally enacted in 2003, the “Move Over or Slow Down” law initially covered law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services. Over the years, the Texas Legislature has expanded its protections to include TxDOT vehicles, tow trucks, and utility service vehicles.
The “Be Safe. Drive Smart” initiative is a vital part of the #EndTheStreakTX campaign, which promotes safer driving practices to help end the streak of daily traffic fatalities. Notably, November 7, 2000, marks the last day without a traffic-related death on Texas roadways.
The Texas Department of Transportation oversees the maintenance of 80,000 miles of roadway and supports various transportation modes, including aviation, maritime, rail, and public transit across the state.