The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is continuing their enforcement efforts across the state focusing specifically on violations of the state’s Move Over/Slow Down law. These periodic enforcement operations by DPS Troopers are planned throughout the year at various locations in Texas, with several operations planned in April. One of those operations will take place in Beaumont District throughout the day on Wednesday, April 17. The Department of Transportation will be participating in a non-enforcement capacity.

The law, originally passed in 2003, requires motorists to move over or slow down when certain vehicles – including police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks – are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.

“Our Highway Patrol Troopers and other offices risk their lives every day for the people of Texas, and their safety is particularly vulnerable while working on the side of the road, where the slightest mistake by a passing motorist can end in tragedy,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “While our officers are serving and protecting Texans, we’re asking drivers to do their part by adhering to the law – simply move over or slow down.”

Specifically, Texas law states that a driver must either: 1. Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or 2. Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

Drivers should only move over if they can do so safely and legally; otherwise, they should slow down.

“In light of the numerous vehicle crashes that occur in Texas and across the nation on a daily basis, and the unfortunate fact that many still violate the state law that has been in effect over 15 years, we are increasing our enforcement and education efforts related to this law,” said Director McCraw. “In addition to complying with the law to protect those who work on the side of the road, we encourage motorists to show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the roadways. Let’s all get home safely.” 2

Violations of the law can result in a fine of up to $200; the fine increases to $500 if there is property damage. If violators cause bodily injury, they can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and a maximum fine of $2,000.

Data from 2018 shows that DPS issued more than 41,000 warnings and citations to motorists violating the Move Over/Slow Down law. Preliminary data shows this year approximately 4700 warnings and citations were issued for violating the law.

As I neared the driver’s side of the car next to me, all I could see through the open window was a tongue slapping in the wind. My thoughts ran wild. Was the driver in some sort of distress? Was he having a seizure, maybe a heart attack? Was he even conscious?

By the time I got even with the car, I was completely distracted from my own driving trying to see if the driver next to me was ok. As he turned to look at me, the wind through the open window caught his cheeks, blowing them straight back into the wind exposing a big grin across his face. That’s when reality set in.

Looking back at me was an English Bulldog right in the middle of his comfort zone and loving every minute of the ride with his “hooman.” I couldn’t help but laugh out loud. It was cuteness overload, but then I became concerned. The driver was wearing his seatbelt and the dog was sitting in his lap. I wanted to tell the driver that if he hit his breaks did he know that his dog could be thrown out the window or crushed against the steering wheel.

The whole experience made me stop and think about another similar sight I saw on these East Texas roads that was just as scary. A flatbed truck with a good Coon Hound chained to the fifth-wheel. The dog was standing and struggling to keep his footing. I knew if he slipped over the edge, the results could be tragic.

Also, a photo went viral on social media and made national news from Corrigan recently when a driver transported a full grown horse in the back of his pick-up truck on US 59. The horse barely fit into the bed of the truck and was standing, looking over the cab. The driver told law enforcement the horse was accustomed to riding that way, but if the driver had hit his breaks the horse could have been thrown over the top of the truck.

TxDOT works daily to spread safety messages to Texas drivers in hopes we will all have safe driving experiences. But if you are the driver and your pet is the passenger, please consider restraining it. Pet carriers, a pet seatbelt, a barrier, harness or trailer all work great to keep them safe. Left unrestrained, they can be hurt and they can distract other drivers.

Most pets want to go where their owners go. Texas law currently does not require drivers to restrain pets in a vehicle, but research shows that an unrestrained 10-pound dog can generate 500 pounds of force in a 50-mph crash. While all they want to do is smile into the wind through an open window or from the back of a pickup truck, it really is our responsibility as pet owners to make sure they do it safely.