Public Service Announcement
State authorities in law enforcement, transportation and other agencies are predicting that Memorial Day weekend will bring increased traffic on Texas roads.
As they travel Texas roadways during the Memorial Day weekend, motorists are being urged to slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles including tow trucks, police cars and fire trucks.
Texas law requires drivers to slow down at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit or, if able, to change lanes when they’re passing a first responder stopped on the road with emergency lights activated.
Large numbers of travelers are expected on Texas roads, which means that more breakdowns and traffic stops are likely as well, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.
Drivers should pay attention to what’s happening around them and prepare to react quickly, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation (TDLR) noted in a prepared statement this week.
“Tow trucks are emergency vehicles, and drivers should slow down or change lanes when tow trucks are stopped on the side of the road – just like drivers should slow down or change lanes when they see police cars or ambulances or fire trucks on the side of the road,” TDLR Executive Director Mike Arismendez Jr. said. “Please do your part to make sure that everyone has the chance to return home safely each night.”
The TDLR licenses tow operators and tow companies in Texas, as well as driver education and driving safety courses.
