TRAA Announces Move Over Law Resolution Passed U.S. House of Representatives

The following is a TRAA press release regarding the passage:

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.

“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.

Every state has a “Move Over” law that generally requires motorists to move at least one lane over when there is an emergency or rescue activity taking place on the shoulder or side of the roadway; or, if unable to do so safely, to alternatively slow down and pass the scene with caution. However, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, there were still 65 traffic incident management responders who were killed due to roadside collisions in 2021 and studies show that a tow operator dies every six days in the United States.

“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.”