TAMARAC, Fla-- First responders are reminding Florida drivers to move over and slow down when approaching emergency scenes on the road.
To make the point, FHP, firefighters, Road Rangers and tow operators staged a vehicle rescue in Tamarac to show what’s involved and why they need room from passing drivers.
“We tell the motorist all the time about slowing down and changing lanes to be patient and give us room to work,” says FHP Lt. Alvaro Feola.
RELATED: VIDEO: Trooper hit by driver who violated Florida's 'Move Over' law
“It’s just as dangerous on these roadways than it is in a combat zone,” says Gary Ward, a Florida Road Ranger and military veteran.
“I’ve actually had mirrors of vehicles graze my shoulder because of the issue of folks just not moving over," Ward says.
FHP troopers have had several incidents this year of being hit by vehicles along the side of the road.
Florida law requires drivers to move over one lane or slow 20 mph below the speed limit when passing by first responders.
“It’s just as dangerous on these roads as it is in a combat zone,” says a Florida Road Ranger about trying to respond to crashes on the highway. First responders sending out the message for drivers to - move over. pic.twitter.com/OolZng5neY
— Matt Sczesny WPTV (@WPTVMatt) November 14, 2019
