Slow Down, Move Over. Lives Are on the Line: Georgia DOT joins Crash Responder Safety Week campaign to encourage roadway safety
ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Transportation (Georgia DOT) joins the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration to recognize and observe National Crash Responder Safety Week from Monday, November 2 to Friday, November 6. The purpose of this observation is to remind all motorists to be alert, slow down, move over if possible, and pay close attention when approaching a crash site. This year's theme is, "Slow Down, Move Over. Lives Are on the Line."
Georgia DOT also reminds all motorists to be aware and observe the state's Move Over Law, requiring all motorists to move over one lane, if possible, when emergency and utility vehicles are stopped on the side of the roadway and acting in an official capacity. Those vehicles include all first responders (law enforcement, fire, EMS), utility vehicles, Georgia DOT vehicles, Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) & Coordinated Highway Assistance and Maintenance Program (CHAMP) units and wreckers tending to a crash. Failure to obey the Move Over Law can result in a fine up to $500.
Beyond monetary fines, failure to comply can result in fatal consequences. According to federal government data, traffic crashes claim the lives of law enforcement more than any other cause in the line of duty. These crashes are 100% preventable with proper caution. Georgia DOT is committed to reducing the number of traffic related fatalities on Georgia roadways to zero.
Every day during Crash Responders Safety Week features a daily focus theme:
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Monday - Slow Down, Move Over / National Kickoff
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Tuesday - Driver Education and State Move Over Laws
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Wednesday - Responder Training (targeting 1 million trained first responders)
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Thursday - Highway Heroes & Quick Clearance
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Friday - Roadside Lifeline (covering all roadway incidents beyond major crashes)
Throughout the week, Georgia DOT will be sharing educational messages on its website and social media channels reinforcing the importance of the Mover Over Law and the role all motorists share in keeping roadside responders safe.
Georgia DOT offers the following safety tips for motorists approaching a crash site:
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Pay attention and slow down, even if traffic is light. Speed is a leading cause in many crashes. Remain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
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Watch out for responders and, if possible, move over one lane to create a buffer between your vehicle and the crash site. If you can't move over, slow down under the speed limit and be prepared to stop.
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Drive carefully as crash sites can be unpredictable. Lanes may shift, debris may be on the roadway, and responders could be a few feet from moving traffic.
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Obey all posted signage. Failure to obey posted speed limit signs or a responder's directions can result in large fines and/or imprisonment.
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Eliminate all distractions. This means putting your phone down and any other electronic device. Avoid changing the radio station as well.
More information on National Crash Responders Week can be found here.
Georgia Department of Transportation plans, constructs and maintains Georgia's state and federal highways. We're involved in bridge, waterway, public transit, rail, general aviation, bike and pedestrian programs. And we help local governments maintain their roads. Georgia DOT and its nearly 4,000 employees are committed to delivering a transportation system focused on innovation, safety, sustainability and mobility. The Department's vision is to boost Georgia's competitiveness through leadership in transportation.
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