See an emergency vehicle? Move over or slow down – it’s the law

When you see a tow truck or police car parked on the side of the road, do you slow down and move over? It’s required by law in California – but nearly a quarter of all drivers are unaware of it.

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As a result, dozens of emergency crew members are killed every year and hundreds are injured, according to Gianella Ghiglino with the Auto Club.

KNX News’ Jon Baird spoke to Andrew Hernandez, a tow truck driver who had a close call on the 91 freeway in Yorba Linda last year.

“I was there to pick up an accident, and while I was picking up that accident, another vehicle struck my tow truck,” he said. “Very scary, but very adrenaline-fueled, you know. It was a rush.”

Saturday is National Move Over Awareness Day. Ghiglino said the purpose is to get the word out about the state law requiring drivers to move over for emergency responders, which 23% of the population is unaware of.

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