In observance of Crash Responder Safety Week, Nov. 17-23, the N.C. Office of State Fire Marshal, the N.C. Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the N.C. State Highway Patrol is putting the word out to remind motorists about the move over law.

This public service announcement seeks to raise awareness among drivers about the importance of moving over or slowing down for stopped emergency and roadside assistance vehicles, described by the office as a “crucial measure” to protect the lives of those who work on the roadside.

“Crash Responder Safety Week is a perfect time to remind our citizens of the Move Over Law,” State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor said.

The North Carolina Move Over Law, enacted in 2002, requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching emergency and roadside assistance vehicles with flashing lights. Failure to comply endangers responders and workers, carries legal penalties and undermines public safety efforts.

One such incident left one motorist dead in November 2023 following a crash on Interstate 85 in which the driver reportedly attempted to pass a parked emergency vehicle.

Rowan County Emergency Services reported that emergency personnel were responding to a prior accident when a driver attempted to pass through at a high rate of speed. The driver hit a South Salisbury Fire Department truck and a Rowan Rescue vehicle, causing them to crash. The crash occurred before sunrise in the area of the Webb Road exit on the southbound side of Interstate 85.

No emergency responders were injured in the crash, according to Emergency Services.

“Even while all responders were dealing with what was now two accidents, cars still tried to find ways to get through quickly and avoid directions being given,” a department official said at the time “Doing this is just as dangerous as drinking or texting while driving. Please do your part to make sure our next post is not to report the injury or death of a first responder being hit while trying to care for others.”

The complete PSA launched by the N.C. fire marshal’s office can be found at https://vimeo.com/1027687381/51a7a2b0cd?share=copy.