Blumenthal & Fischer 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 last week.

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.

"From emergency personnel to roadside crews, countless individuals work every day to keep our roads safe. Slowing down and moving over a lane is a simple way we can help protect them. I'm proud to support this resolution and grateful for all who keep us safe," said Fischer.

Blumenthal honored Elvin Hernandez, a Connecticut Department of Transportation worker struck and killed while working in Fairfield in September, and Alexander John Ramos, a tow truck driver who was struck and killed responding to a disabled vehicle in Bloomfield in September.

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 was endorsed by Flagman, National Safety Council, AAA National, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, National District Attorneys Association, CTDOT, National Association of State EMS Officials, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Governors Highway Safety Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, AFSCME, American Association of State Troopers, and the National Association of Police Organizations.

The text of the resolution is available here.

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