National Slow Down Move Over Day Observed as Delaware Sees Near Record Crashes

National Slow Down Move Over Day occurs on the third Saturday of every October to remind drivers to slow down and move over when an emergency vehicle is on the side of the road.

Across Delaware, there have already been 54 incidents to date involving vehicles striking DelDOT equipment and personnel, a near-record number. There were 57 incidents recorded in all of 2021.

“Unsafe driving is jeopardizing the lives of DelDOT employees and contractors and it is unacceptable,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Slowing down and moving over is the simplest action all drivers can take to prevent an avoidable tragedy involving a first responder.”

Of the 54 incidents that have occurred, 11 have resulted in employee injuries.

On September 19, 2024, Governor John Carney signed House Bill 329 into law, increasing penalties for drivers who fail to move over and stating that a driver who is unable to safely yield the right of way must slow to at least 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

“The only acceptable number of roadway fatalities is zero. Everyone on the road deserves to make it home safely,” said Sharon Bryson, Director, Delaware Office of Highway Safety. “Seeing so many tragedies on Delaware roadways is devastating. By slowing down and moving over, we can help prevent roadside deaths.”

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