Public Safety Alert: Move Over, Slow Down – It Could Save a Life

WEIS Radio recently spoke with a deputy from the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office who shared a growing safety concern — multiple near-miss incidents where inattentive or irresponsible drivers put the lives of law enforcement officers and inmate work crews at serious risk. These individuals were working along roadsides as part of community cleanup efforts when careless driving brought them dangerously close to injury or worse.

We reached out to the Etowah and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Offices and In response, both the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office and Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office issued statements urging the public to take driving safety seriously and follow Alabama’s “Move Over” law — which is designed to protect those who serve our communities in hazardous roadside conditions.

From Cherokee County: A Simple Request for Safety

“Whether it’s a deputy on a traffic stop, a lineman fixing power, or a crew patching the road. Please slow down and move over when you see flashing lights, cones, or high-visibility vests. They’re working to keep you safe. Let’s return the favor.”

From Etowah County: A Message from Sheriff Jonathon Horton

🚧 SAFETY REMINDER FROM SHERIFF JONATHON HORTON 🚧

“As part of our ongoing efforts to keep Etowah County clean, you’ll often see our inmate work crew out along roadsides collecting trash. These individuals are supervised and are doing meaningful work to give back to the community.

We ask all drivers to slow down, stay alert, and move over when you see our trash crews working. Their safety depends on your attention behind the wheel.”

“Keep in mind, no matter how busy you are, or how big of a hurry you are in, saving a few seconds is not worth what could easily become a permanent problem. Keep an eye out for law enforcement, fire and medical personnel, utility workers, and those who risk so much to provide valuable public service.”

Emergency Vehicle Awareness: What You Should Know

When you see or hear emergency vehicles responding with flashing lights and sirens, remember these essential safety actions:

• Stay Alert: Be aware of your surroundings. Keep music volume low so you can hear sirens.

• Yield Right-of-Way: Emergency vehicles always have the right-of-way when lights and sirens are active.

• Pull to the Right and Stop: Move to the right side of the road and stop safely until the vehicle passes.

• Never Block Intersections: Proceed through the intersection before pulling over.

• Maintain Distance: Stay at least 500 feet behind emergency vehicles. Never tailgate to bypass traffic.

• Move Over for Stopped Vehicles: If you see flashing lights on the roadside, change lanes if safe or slow down significantly.

• Be Patient: Wait for all emergency vehicles to pass before resuming travel.

• Watch for Additional Units: Often more than one vehicle responds; ensure all have passed before merging back into traffic.

Failure to Yield: The Consequences

Neglecting to yield or move over can lead to:

• Delays in Emergency Response: Even seconds count in life-saving situations.

• Legal Penalties: Including fines, points on your license, or jail time.

• Accidents and Injuries: High-speed emergency vehicles increase risk if not given space.

• Obstructing Public Safety: Blocking emergency routes hampers responders’ ability to help those in need.

The Bottom Line: Safety is Everyone’s Responsibility

Your attention and action on the road could prevent tragedy and save lives. Please stay alert, move over, and drive responsibly — for your safety and for those who serve our communities every day.