Saturday, October 17th is National Slow Down and Move Over Day, which falls on the 3rd Saturday of each October. This day is used to highlight the ever-increasing need for motorists to slow down and move over anytime they see any flashing lights or people on the roadway.

Tow operators are first responders too, and every six days one of them is killed while trying to help people from the road. With drivers becoming more distracted, more and more people are struck by vehicles than ever before. Simply slowing down and moving over can save the life of a father, a mother, a son, or a daughter. Our goal is for everyone to go home safe, and we need everyone’s help. This past year, our own Engine 38 was struck on the Rt 30 bypass while attending to another vehicle accident. Luckily, no one was injured in this accident, but it did place Engine 38 out of service for several months.

Currently in Harrisburg, there is a new law trying to get passed that would strengthen the public awareness messaging and campaigns, as well as better define “slow down and move over” in hopes to making more drivers aware of this important law. The National Highway Safety Transportation Administration (NHTSA) estimates that over 70% of drivers in the United States aren’t familiar with the Move Over Law, but you can help us change that by sharing our post and contacting your local State Representative. Senate Bill 1281, the proposed bill that would enhance Pennsylvania’s current move over law, is currently in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and is expected to be heard in the House Appropriations Committee on Monday, October 19th.

Please help us all go home safe by slowing down and moving over when you see any of us on the roads. We've got your back. Do you have ours?