The Texas Department of Public Safety is working with surrounding states for an enforcement effort of "move over, slow down" laws. State law requires people to move one lane over or slow down to 20 miles an hour less than the posted speed limit if they see a first responder's car with its emergency lights on along the shoulder.
Texas is working with Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma to enforce the law in each of their states this Wednesday.
"DPS is proud to join with our neighbors to raise awareness of the importance of Move Over, Slow Down laws in our respective states,” said Texas DPS Director Freeman Martin wrote in a statement. “Too many law enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs along the side of the road. This multi-state operation is about saving lives—ours and yours. If you see flashing lights, do what’s right: move over or slow down.”
Since 2017, DPS says its cars have been involved in 142 crashes while not moving. In those crashes, 46 troopers were injured and two died.
DPS says violations of the "move over, slow down" law can cost $1,250 for the first offense. If a violation leads to an injury, the person can be fined up to $4,000 and face possible jail time.