This morning, Sheriff Austin Garrett joined with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO), Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT), numerous other local public safety personnel, and towing industry representatives to recognize the week of November 13th – 17th as Crash Responder Safety Week. This year’s theme is “Protect those who protect You.”

Crash Responder Safety Week was created to educate citizens and motorists on the importance of the ‘Move Over’ law and how by doing so, helps keep our roadway responders and the public safety personnel safe while responding to traffic related incidents.

Every minute of every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), public works, transportation, towing, and other responders work roadside to make roadways safe for all road users. According to the United States Department of Transportation, these traffic incident responders put their lives at risk when clearing each of the nearly 7 million annual motor vehicle crashes or the broader range of incidents such as stalled vehicles or roadway debris.

“As we recognize Crash Responder Safety Week, I have a very specific message for motorists: Slow down and move over or expect to pay the price as law enforcement focuses on this important state law. Every single day, the Sheriff’s Office, other public safety professionals, our brothers and sisters in the towing industry, respond to calls for service across this community on county roads, city streets, and interstate highways in service to others in their time of need. The lack of attention to this important issue can have fatal consequences. Please slow down, move over, and help protect those who protect you,” stated Sheriff Austin Garrett.

As we move into the holiday season, it is imperative that motorists remember to keep a watchful eye, stay alert, and always slow-down and move over to give responders and operators room to conduct their business. This includes moving over for broken down vehicles as well.

If you have questions about Tennessee’s Move Over Law or how it applies to you, please visit: https://www.tn.gov/tdot/work-with-us/move-over-law.html.