DPVFD Reminds Motorists to Move Over or Slow Down

21-Jan-2011

Fire, EMS and Police are the greatest risk when working incidents on public roadways due to other vehicles traveling at increased speeds and drivers viewing the incident instead of watching traffic. Deer Park Emergency Responders utilize reflective safety vest to increase visibility however, we also need the public to follow the state laws to increase safety for both you and the Emergency Responders.

Under Texas law (“Texas’ Move Over Act”), drivers who are approaching an emergency vehicle stopped on the roadway with emergency lights flashing are required to do one of two things: move out of the lane nearest to the emergency vehicle or slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit (down to a minimum of 5 mph). In other words, if you're going down the freeway in the right lane and there's an emergency vehicle parked on the right shoulder ahead, you should immediately move into the next lane to the left. If you can't, or if you're on a roadway where there is no extra lane to move over, then you must slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit. The purpose of this law is to give emergency workers a safe area to work in when they're on or near the road.

Emergency vehicles include police, emergency medical service and fire vehicles, including industrial fire and ambulance vehicles.

A violation of the “Passing Authorized Emergency Vehicle” law is considered a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a $1 to $200 fine or a Class B misdemeanor if someone is injured.

The Texas’ ‘Move Over Act’ was passed by the 78th Texas Legislature, took effect September 1, 2003, and can be found in Texas Transportation Code 545.157. The law states:

§545.157 - PASSING AUTHORIZED EMERGENCY VEHICLE

(a) On approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle using visual signals that meet the requirements of Sections 547.305 and 547.702, an operator, unless otherwise directed by a police officer, shall:

(1) vacate the lane closest to the emergency vehicle when driving on a highway with two or more lanes traveling in the direction of the emergency vehicle; or

(2) slow to a speed not to exceed:

(A) 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit when the posted speed limit is 25 miles per hour or more; or

(B) five miles per hour when the posted speed limit is less than 25 miles per hour.

(b) A violation of this section is:

(1) a misdemeanor punishable under Section 542.401;

(2) a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $500 if the violation results in property damage; or

(3) a Class B misdemeanor if the violation results in bodily injury.

(c) If conduct constituting an offense under this section also constitutes an offense under another section of this code or the Penal Code, the actor may be prosecuted under either section or under both sections.

We want you to have a safe driving experience every time. We ask you to not use your cell phones while driving, minimize the volume on your radio so you can hear emergency vehicles approaching and eliminate distractions inside the vehicle that may decrease your attention to traffic situations.

Drive Safely,

Deer Park Fire Department Members

Comment

Go Back