No One’s Final Resting Place Should Be on the Side of the Road
Each year dozens of motorists, first responders and roadside workers are struck while trying to make their communities safer. Despite slow down move over laws in all 50 states, fewer than 30% of Americans know these laws and far too many motorists fail to abide by them causing great risk to commuters, tow truck operators, mobile mechanics, firefighters, EMS personnel and law enforcement officers.
No one's final resting place should be on the side of the the road. It is your responsibility to move over or slow down if you see signs, lights, vests or cones. Failing to do so could have serious or even fatal consequences. Emergency responders, tow truck operators and stranded motorists are especially vulnerable when other drivers speed past without caution. A slight miscalculation or distraction can result in a devasting collision.
Understanding the Law
In 2023, the Colorado Slow Down Move Over law expanded to provide greater protection for people and their vehicles on the side of the road. The enhanced law requires you to move over for all motorists, including emergency responders, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, and passenger vehicles.
Colorado Drivers have two choices when they see an emergency/tow/ maintenance vehicle or passenger vehicle with emergency hazards on:
- Move over at least one lane from that vehicle.
- If they cannot safely move over, then they must slow down to a safe speed.
- Safe speed means Drivers must slow down to 25 MPH or less in a 40 MPH zone.
- Drivers must slow by at least 20 MPH in a 45MPH or higher zone.
If you fail to move over or slow down and are ticketed, this is a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense and includes a $150 fine and 3-point license violation.
It Takes All of Us - Slow Down, Move Over
Our nation saw numerous struck-by incidents in 2024 involving roadway workers and first responders. Most startling is the fact that law enforcement officers accounted for 26 out of the 46 recorded deaths.
Traffic incidents are the number one cause of death for police officers and EMS responders nationwide (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In 2024, 46 emergency responders working on the roadway were struck and killed (Responder Safety):
- 26 law enforcement officers
- 12 tow truck operators
- 1 road service technician
- 4 DOT and safety service patrol operators
- 3 firefighters and EMS personnel
In the history of the Colorado State Patrol, our agency has lost 11 troopers who have been struck by passing motorists. These are the same people you want to be there when you are in an emergency situation on the roadway.
When you see a first responder or a fellow motorist stopped on the side of the road or in a lane, Slow Down. And, if the lane further away from that vehicle is open, Move Over. The law is simple, and it’s up to all of us to drive with care.
