TRAA celebrates today’s passage of the Move Over Law Resolution (H.Res.1463 formerly H.Res.1052) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The resolution, which was introduced by Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA 2), supports the goals and ideals of Move Over Laws and urges relevant Federal and State agencies, as well as nongovernmental organizations involved in traffic incident management response, to promote the existence of and adherence to State Move Over laws. The passage is particularly timely as this is FHWA's National Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) which highlights Move Over laws and other responder safety initiatives.
“Roadside emergency responders – from law enforcement, fire service personnel, and EMTs to tow truck operators and other transportation workers – know all too well the dangers of roadside response. They keep us safe every day, and we have a responsibility to do our part to keep them safe in return,” said Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA-02), “As we recognize National Crash Responder Safety Week, and head into the holiday season, I am proud to champion this effort in the House of Representatives and pass this resolution to raise public awareness about the importance of “Slow Down, Move Over” laws.”
The passage of H.Res.1463 will undoubtably increase public awareness of Move Over Laws and the need for drivers to slow down and move over when they see any incident responder on the side of the road. The industry deeply appreciates Congressman McGovern’s leadership on this issue and the entire House of Representatives for their concern for the nation’s traffic incident management responder community which includes tow truck operators, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, and transportation workers.
“TRAA is incredibly proud to have worked with Congressman McGovern and his staff on this over the past year and especially since its introduction in April,” says Cynthia Martineau TRAA’s Executive Director. “We strongly believe that this resolution will bring much needed attention to each state’s existing Move Over Law and increase roadside safety for every responder.”
TRAA looks forward to the anticipated passage of the Senate companion, S.Res.734, introduced by Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Braun (R-IN), in August. TRAA will continue to support the Senate version by securing co-sponsors and interdisciplinary support. Note, "simple resolutions" are entirely within the prerogative of one chamber or the other. They do not require the approval of the other chamber or signature by the President.
TRAA deeply appreciates the support of AAA National and everyone who contributed to making the passage of this resolution possible.
