Tennessee: AAA Reminds Motorists to Slow Down and Move Over, It’s the Law
– April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. AAA – The Auto Club Group are reminding motorists to Slow Down, Move Over.
The law requires motorists to give adequate space to law enforcement, tow truck drivers, utility service vehicles and other first responders that are stopped on the side of the road.
Move over for law enforcement, service vehicles, and other first responders that are stopped on the side of the road.
“Distracted driving is anything that takes the driver’s attention off the road, potentially putting motorists and others in harm’s way,” said Don Lindsey, Tennessee Public Relations Director, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “If a driver is distracted by texting or changing a radio station, they may not notice law enforcement or the tow truck driver assisting a stranded motorist on the side of the road. Not focusing on the road puts your life and others at risk.”
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), All 50 states have enacted “Move Over” laws; however, 71 percent of Americans are not aware they exist. Distracted Driving Awareness Month is the ideal time to make motorists aware of these life-saving laws.
AAA offers theses precautionary tips to protect roadside workers and stranded motorists:
§ Use common sense: Watch for situations where emergency vehicles, tow vehicles, sanitation and utility service vehicles are pulled off on the side of the road.
§ Two-Lane Roadway: When approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, you MUST slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit and approach with caution unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker on the scene.
§ Multi-Lane Roadway:Slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the roadside and – if you can – move over into an adjacent lane. If you can’t switch lanes, reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
§ Stay Alert: Pay attention to changes in traffic patterns and speed limits.
§ Be Courteous:Look out for motorists stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance.
§ Don't Drive Distracted: Anything that takes your mind off the task of driving is a distraction. PUT IT DOWN – no text or call is worth a life.
By following these simple rules, we are giving law enforcement officials and other emergency personnel space to do their jobs while saving lives.
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