WHAT:            AAA Texas, Texas Department of Public Safety, and a survivor of a roadside crash will remind drivers about Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down Law ahead of National Move Over Awareness Day on Saturday, October 19th. The law requires drivers to slow down or vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle stopped on the side of the road with lights flashing. On January 9, 2007, Heather Haenes was on the side of Mopac following a fender bender when another vehicle slammed into the two vehicles that were parked on the side of the highway. Haenes was standing between the two parked vehicles and lost both legs in the crash.

WHEN:            Press Conference on Wed., Oct. 16th, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. (Live shot availability with AAA Texas spokesperson begins at 5:00 a.m.)

WHERE:         AAA Texas Austin North Branch

                        13376 N. Highway 183 Ste. 108

                        Austin, TX 78750

WHY:              Police, firefighters, paramedics, Texas DPS Troopers, TxDOT workers and tow truck drivers are in dangerous positions when working along the shoulders of busy and congested highways and major streets. Each year approximately 24 emergency responders lose their lives, one every two weeks, and hundreds more are injured. Since 2007 AAA has worked to pass “Move Over or Slow Down” laws, which require drivers to reduce their speed or switch lanes to give roadside responders safe clearance. The law, which exists in all 50 states, is simple. Whenever approaching an incident where police, firefighters, emergency medical service crews or tow operators are working and their vehicle lights are flashing, drivers should exercise caution, move over or slow down below posted speed limits. AAA Texas is also advocating to expand this law to apply to ALL stopped vehicles, including drivers who are experiencing vehicle trouble or who pulled off the lanes of traffic following a crash.

WHO:        

• AAA Texas Corporate Communications Manager Doug Shupe
• Texas DPS Sgt. Deon Cockrell and Sgt. Billy Ray
• Crash survivor Heather Haenes

VISUALS:                  

• Photos of crashes at the roadside
• Videos of tow truck operators experiencing close calls and crashes
• Tow truck and DPS vehicle with flashing lights
• Photos of Heather Haenes

PHONE:          AAA Texas Spokesperson Doug Shupe (Cell) 512-659-1632