What would you do if you saw an emergency vehicle stopped with its lights on while you were driving? For many, the answer is not clear at all, which is why Texas has implemented a new law, called the Move Over Law, to ensure that all drivers know how to act to protect road workers and emergency services. The reason is that road safety should be a priority for everyone, and below we are going to tell you everything you need to know about this new law.
What is the Move Over Law?
This new law that Texans have now enforced requires drivers to slow down or change lanes when they see that they are approaching vehicles that are stopped on the road (and with their flashing lights on). This rule applies to:
- Police cars and fire trucks
- Ambulances and other vehicles of the Texas Department of Transportation
- Tow trucks and roadside assistance vehicles.
If you can’t change lanes, don’t worry, the law also covers that, and you will be required to reduce your speed to less than 20 mph below the speed limit. A small gesture that costs us nothing and could save lives and prevent tragedies.
What does this law seek?
The main goal of this change is to protect those who work on the side of the road (most of the time, in extreme conditions… imagine a highway where vehicles go by at more than 100 km/h and people working practically just a few cm away…)
According to statistics from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), there are dozens of serious accidents every year because drivers do not usually moderate their behaviour when they see workers or assistance services on the side of the road. The More Over Law will not only save lives, but will also promote a culture of respect for workers who work for the safety of everyone.
Although it is the law, Texas Governor Gregg Abbott was clear in highlighting the importance of this regulation, and that is that it is mandatory to move or slow down when passing near a stopped vehicle.
What are the consequences of ignoring this law?
Not complying with this regulation can cost you dearly, both financially and emotionally.
In the economic case, there will be fines of up to $1,250 for those who commit the infraction for the first time, but if it is a more serious case in which someone is injured, it can be considered a Class A misdemeanour and the fines would go up to $4,000 (and the possibility of imprisonment). Remember that it does not cost much to slow down when you pass next to someone stopped on the shoulder, you can save their life, yours and your wallet!
How can we comply with this law?
It is very simple and you will only need three steps: pay attention to any lights on the shoulder, change lanes if it is safe to do so and reduce your speed to at least 32 km/h below the permitted limit. These are three very simple actions that can make a difference in terms of safety. Remember that the road belongs to everyone and that we all have the right to return home safe and sound.
Remember that nobody likes to be fined, but we all like to get home after a day’s work (imagine if we have been survivors of a traffic accident…). This law is not made to fine drivers, but to be aware that we have to value the lives of the people we meet on the road. It is not difficult to comply with the lane change or the speed reduction. The next time you drive on a road and there are workers on the shoulder, remember that everything is at stake!!