It’s a constant battle MoDOT motor assistance operators and thousands of other first responders across the state fight every day – drivers who won’t move over or slow down when they encounter emergency vehicles on Missouri roadways.
These hard-working responders put their lives on the line every day, assisting motorists in need. When drivers don’t move over or slow down, the results can be deadly. Traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers, claiming the lives of about 200 roadside workers every year.
The Federal Highway Administration has declared the week of Nov. 9-15 as National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week to remind motorists to move over or slow down when they encounter emergency highway workers.
It’s not just a good practice, it’s the law. Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
Remember, when you see emergency vehicles, law enforcement, tow trucks and highway crews with warning lights either on the road or shoulder, slow down, and when you’re able to do so, move over. We want to make sure everyone goes home safely every day.
