Whether it’s a police officer, a tow truck driver, a highway worker, or a stranded motorist changing a tire, anyone stopped on the side of the road deserves to be safe.

Across the country, roadside incidents continue to claim lives — many of them preventable. That’s why officials and safety advocates are reminding drivers of a critical message:

✅ Move over when you can.
✅ Slow down when you can’t.

“Too often, people don’t realize how dangerous it is to be just feet away from fast-moving traffic,” said a spokesperson for the local highway safety department. “Every driver has the power to protect those who are working or stranded on the roadside.”

While state “Move Over” laws may vary slightly, they generally require drivers to change lanes or reduce speed when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped on the shoulder — flashing lights or not.

It’s not just the law. It’s a life-saving habit.

When it’s safe to do so, moving over creates a buffer zone, reducing the risk of deadly collisions. When moving over isn’t possible due to traffic or road conditions, slowing down significantly is the next best action.

The choice you make behind the wheel can change a life forever.