Williamson County To Enforce 'Move Over/Slow Down' Law

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Sheriff''s deputies on Thursday will be out in full force during a single operation to enforce the state's Move Over/Slow Down law meant to protect first responders.

The law requires motorists to move out of the lane closest to stationary emergency vehicles next to roadways whenever possible or reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the posted limit. If the road does not feature multiple lanes, the driver must slow down per the law. On roadways with posted speed limits of 25 miles per hour or less, drivers must reduce their speed to 5 miles per hour, according to the law's provisions.

The initiative comes two weeks after Department of Public Safety trooper Thomas Nipper, 63, of Belton, who was struck and killed by a pickup truck during a traffic stop on southbound I-35 in Temple. The local enforcement initiative is meant primarily as a way to educate the public on the law, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody said.

“This is the second time this year we conduct this type of operation," the sheriff noted. "We intend to reduce crashes and save lives. After the tragic loss of DPS Senior Trooper Nipper, we want to remind the public how important moving over or slowing down for an emergency vehicle can be.”

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