So, it has happened again: an emergency responder – this time a tow truck driver — assisting a disabled motorist, is struck on the parkway.
The latest incident occurred Wednesday evening on Route 15 South in Trumbull. A tow truck driver was struck and killed while assisting disabled motorists on the roadway shoulder when another driver lost control of his car, hit the disabled cars and then the tow truck driver.
This situation again drives home the fact: many Connecticut drivers still aren’t heeding the state’s Slow Down, Move Over law, says AAA Northeast.
“You see this daily on our roadways,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman. “Connecticut’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law means just that: when a driver sees an emergency vehicle, whether it’s a state police cruiser, fire truck, ambulance, DOT vehicles, or a tow truck with activated lights, drivers need to reasonably slow down below the speed limit. And if possible, move to the adjacent lane to give responders space to operate.”.
Although most publicized Slow Down, Move Over incidents involve state police, tow truck drivers have experienced close calls. In fact, one AAA employee was seriously injured in a multi-vehicle crash in Southport two years ago, when a speeding box truck collided into two parked AAA vehicles helping a disabled motorist.
To call attention to the plight of emergency responders on Connecticut roadways, AAA Northeast produced this 30-second public service announcement:
AAA Northeast Slow Down Move Over PSA
Connecticut’s Move Over law was passed in 2009 to protect drivers of emergency vehicles, who assist disabled motorists on state roads. Fines range up to $2,500 if injuries are caused; and up to $10,000 if deaths result.