The Texas Department of Public Safety is enforcing violations of the state’s Move Over- Slow Down law.
“You need to slow down,” says Sergeant Nathan Brandley. “That’s somebody’s loved one out there.”
The 15-year law states drivers must move to the next lane or slow down -20 to 25 mph under the speed- limit when they see flashing lights.
“Fire, EMS, highway patrol, sheriff’s deputies, police officers,” says Brandley.
The law was also created to protect workers and drivers pulled over on the side of the road.
Regardless, DPS Sergeant Nathan Brandley says every day, law enforcement across the state are put in dangerous situations by drivers who break the law.
“You’ve got someone going by at 60 to 70 miles an hour at a stop,” says Sergeant Nathan Brandley.
Brandley says distractions and alcohol play a major role. While there have not been any deaths in our area, other jurisdictions have not had the same fate.
“We’ve had way too many first responders killed in the line of duty,” says Sgt. Brandley.
DPS is stepping up enforcement.
“We’ve got multiple units out there every day and evenings,” says Sgt. Brandley.
Troopers will be issuing warnings and citations to anyone failing to move over or stop.
“It lies on us to do a death notification,” says Sgt. Brandley.
Violations of this law result in fines of up to $200. Fines increase to $500 if there is property damage, if someone is injured, that is now a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.
