November 15, 2022.  

Whereas the House of Representatives recognizes law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, tow truck operators, and transportation workers as traffic incident management responders (as such term is defined by the Traffic Incident Management Handbook of the Federal Highway Administration);

Whereas due to the increasingly high rate of drivers engaging in risky behaviors on our roadways, including distracted driving, impaired driving, and speeding, many traffic incident management responders lose their lives while performing their duties each year;

Whereas, nationally in 2021, 65 traffic incident management responders were killed due to roadside collisions;

Whereas every State has a “move over” law, which has correlated directly to a safer environment along our Nation’s roadsides for traffic incident management responders and stranded citizens;

Whereas “move over” laws generally require motorists to move at least 1 lane over when there is an emergency or rescue activity taking place on the shoulder or side of the roadway, or, if unable to do so safely, to slow down and pass the scene with caution;

Whereas a Government Accountability Office report (GAO–21–166) on Emergency Responder Safety noted that State officials cite raising public awareness as the most prevalent challenge to “move over” laws; and

Whereas providing traffic incident management responders an enhanced opportunity to inform the motoring public about these laws is critical to the public safety: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved,

Attest:

Clerk.