SLOW DOWN-MOVE OVER WARNINGS IN PLACE
Harrington, DE- The town of Harrington has been selected as the site for the first warning signs for motorists to be aware of Delaware’s law requiring motorists to yield to emergency vehicles.
The Slow Down Move Over campaign began a year ago. Members of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association, Fire Police and EMS services workers began a public awareness campaign, urging motorists to yield to emergency vehicles as required by Delaware law.
The warnings are posted on U.S. Route 13 north and southbound at the city limits of Harrington. Fire police, Harrington Police, Kent County Levy Court and the Delaware House of Representatives, joined with the Delaware Office of Highway Safety in advising motorists of the requirement to move over or pull over when approached by, or approaching emergency vehicles.
“This law was passed to help our police, fire, EMS and Delaware Department of Transportation workers, as well as motorists,” said Joseph Zeroles, Past President of the DVFA Fire Police Association.
“We’re proud Harrington is the first town in Delaware to erect these DelDOT designed signs. It’s a serious problem that needs public awareness.” said Mark B. Anderson, Chief of the Harrington Police Department.
“As a retired trooper, I hope motorists take heed of these warnings,” said Harold Brode, Kent County Levy Court Commissioner. “No one wants to see our emergency services personnel placed in peril, and these signs should help.”
“I hope the signs are erected in every town in Delaware,” said Representative William R. “Bobby” Outten, R-Harrington. “I believe these signs are an important factor in protecting our emergency workers as they perform their duties.”
“Many emergency services workers are injured or killed, by motorists who fail to move over or pull over for them,” said Andrea Summers, spokeswoman for the Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “It’s the law in Delaware, and motorists are now being fore-warned. Slow Down Move Over is a great way to promote more public awareness.”
Under Delaware law, motorists who fail to move over or pull over to yield to emergency vehicles are subject to a ticket and possible fine of $25.00 plus court costs for violations.
Edited News Release From the Delaware Volunteer Firemen's Association