Blumenthal & Fischer's Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Road Safety & Reduce Roadside Deaths Passes Senate

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – The bipartisan National Move Over Law Day Resolution led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Deb Fischer (R-NE) passed the U.S. Senate. The resolution highlights Slow Down, Move Over laws across the country in an effort to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities. The resolution also recognizes and honors the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety.

“Slow Down, Move Over saves lives. It’s the law in every state, but it needs to be amplified and elevated. Every year, failures to Slow Down and Move Over cause needless, senseless injuries and deaths to roadside workers like police, firefighters, emergency responders, tow truck operators, construction workers, and more. This resolution aims to make them safer by reminding drivers to slow down and move over,” said Blumenthal.

“Our first responders and roadway emergency personnel work tirelessly to keep us safe. During a roadway emergency, the least we can do is help keep them safe by following the move over law. Slowing down and moving over a lane is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect our emergency professionals and the people they’re working to help. I’m grateful for the bipartisan support of our commonsense resolution, which will help make America’s roads safer for everyone,” said Fischer.

Today, all 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles. Still, many drivers are unaware of these laws, and they vary state-by-state, leading to continued roadside fatalities and injuries across the country.

The resolution is endorsed by a number of organizations including the Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Eastern Transportation Coalition, Governors Highway Safety Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Association of Police Organizations, National District Attorneys Association, National Safety Council, and National Volunteer Fire Council.

"Emergency responders are the unsung heroes of our nation's roads," said Flagman Inc. Founder Cindy Iodice, "So it's important to keep the message of Slow Down, Move Over in the eyes of the motoring public. This resolution from Senator Blumenthal, who has provided Flagman with unwavering support in the past, does just that."

The text of the resolution is available here.

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