Washington, DC – U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) today applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan “Slow Down, Move Over” resolution late last year. The resolution raises awareness for Slow Down, Move Over state laws to reduce struck-by-vehicle injuries and fatalities and to recognize the important role fire and rescue personnel, emergency medical services personnel, law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, and transportation workers play in road safety. Whitehouse signed onto the resolution, which was led by U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Mike Braun (R-IN), and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).
“We all have a responsibility to help keep first responders and others who work on the roads safe,” said Whitehouse. “Our bipartisan Slow Down, Move Over resolution is a reminder to drivers that it’s your duty to slow down and move over when you see someone working on the highway.”
All 50 states have Slow Down, Move Over laws that direct motorists to reduce speed or change lanes for stopped emergency and maintenance vehicles.
On average, an emergency first responder is struck and killed every 4.65 days working on America’s roadways, with 51 deaths occurring in 2022.
The Slow Down, Move Over resolution is inspired by Corey Iodice, a tow truck operator for his family’s business, who was tragically struck and killed on the Merritt Parkway in Connecticut in 2020 while assisting a driver. Following his death, his sister Cindy Iodice launched Flagman, a non-profit organization focused on raising awareness and educating drivers about the roadside dangers faced by first responders and highway workers.
Along with Whitehouse, Blumenthal, Braun, and Duckworth, the Slow Down, Move Over resolution is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Deb Fischer (R-NE), Mark Warner (D-VA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) and Jon Tester (D-MT).
The resolution is supported by Towing and Recovery Association of America (TRAA), American Automobile Association (AAA), American Association of State Troopers, American Driver and Traffic Safety Education Association, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, Connecticut Department of Transportation, Eastern Transportation Coalition, Governors Highway Safety Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), National Association of Police Organizations, National Association of State EMS Officials, National District Attorneys Association, National Safety Council, National Sheriff’s Association and National Volunteer Fire Council.
The text of the resolution can be found here.
Meaghan McCabe, (202) 224-2921
