Move over, slow down: A look at dangerous driver habits putting roadside crews at risk
Welcome back to another week of What’s Driving Houston. This week we’re shedding light on the Move Over, Slow Down law that protects our emergency responders and roadside crews. Roadside crews and emergency responders have a very dangerous way to make a living. They risk their lives every day to help drivers in need. Quite frankly, when I listened to their stories, firsthand, I asked myself -- what makes them want to go back to work every day? For many the main drivre behind the work they do is the feeling of giving back to the community and knowing that they are doing their part to keep their neighbors safe.
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According to AAA Texas, an average of 24 emergency responders -- including tow operators -- are struck and killed by vehicles while helping other drivers on the side of the road. This means someone in this line of work is either injured or killed every other week nationwide.
Andre McDaniel is a tow truck operator with Tow and Go and says, “...there’s nothing you can do, just hope that the people you are helping are OK.”
McDaniel described one of his crash experiences as he was helping a driver get his disabled vehicle out of the road, “trying to service a vehicle, lights on, flashing and everything, and all of the sudden that’s when a lady comes through, and hits the back of my tow truck.”
He’s not the only one. Law enforcement shared their stories with me too. Go here to learn more.
But most importantly -- the reason we are shedding light to this existing law, is that it may seem like common sense: move over or slow down 20 mph the posted speed limit, but many drivers ignore it or don’t know it exists. So the next time you drive past an incident, just think: these crews are human. They have families. They want to make it home too. By following the law, you are saving lives.
Drive safely my friends :)
KPRC 2 traffic expert
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Total closure SH-225: Westbound main lanes from Red Bluff Road to Pasadena Boulevard in Pasadena, continuously from 9 p.m., Friday, Oct. 21, to 5 a.m., Monday, Nov. 7.
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