Please, Slow Down and Move Over, It's The Law

OLD SAYBROOK, Conn. - Aug. 22, 2023 - PRLog -- When first responders across Connecticut answer the call for emergencies and other incidents on our roadways and highways, they put their lives in danger to rush to assist someone in need.Despite our nationwide laws now requiring all motorists to slow down and move over whenever safely possible to protect first responders and roadside workers, nearly 70 percent of drivers according to statistics are either not aware of the law or simply not complying.

The Connecticut Fire Police (CFP) sadly notes that statistics show that every 4.6 days a roadside worker or first responder in the U.S. is killed at the scene of a roadside incident and hundreds more are injured each year while tending to a roadside emergency, such as car accidents, fires, or disabled vehicles, from drivers failing to slow down and move over.

For many years, the AAA organization has been instrumental in passing "Move Over" laws in all states, advocating strongly for these laws to protect both first responders as well as tow truck drivers and roadside workers. Additionally, AAA clubs nationwide have participated in
educational and advocacy initiatives, creating public service announcements, and reaching out to state legislative officials to raise awareness of these vital "Move Over" laws.

But there is more work to be done and the Connecticut Fire Police remains committed to raising awareness of the "Move Over" law and the dangers associated with working at the roadside.Basically, these laws require motorists to move over one lane or slow down when approaching an incident where tow operators, police, firefighters, or emergency medical crews are working at the roadside. Many states have also expanded their laws to cover other vehicles, such as utility and municipal vehicles (such as sanitation trucks), as well as any disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

To better protect first responders and roadside workers and improve overall highway safety, the Connecticut Fire Police are offering these precautionary tips to all motorists:

• Always remain alert. Avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
• Watch for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles, or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
• When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing on the side of a two-lane roadway, drivers should slow down to a speed that is safe and approach with caution unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene. Some states recommend slowing to a speed that is 10-20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
• On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, safely move over into an adjacent lane.
• If you are unable to switch lanes, slow to a speed that is safe and reasonable. Some states recommend slowing to a speed that is 10-20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

About the Connecticut Fire Police: The Connecticut Fire Police (CFP) are highly trained first responders who help to protect first responders and emergency equipment to help save lives and/or property at car accidents, fires, and other emergencies by assisting with traffic management and other duties to protect their fellow first responders throughout the state of Connecticut. Connecticut Fire Police Officers' roles are inherently dangerous, and they put their lives at risk each time they respond to a member of the public seeking assistance or provide roadside protection for first responders.

By Max Sabrin, Connecticut Fire Police Deputy Chief/Public Information Officer

Slow Down Move Over PSA https://youtu.be/LroL2xlVH1U