Every day, emergency responders put their lives on the line to protect motorists on Georgia’s roadways. Among them are law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, and towing professionals—individuals who work on the sides of busy roads to assist those in need. One vital piece of legislation designed to protect these workers is the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to slow down and, when possible, change lanes when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadside.
At New Image Towing, safety is at the core of everything we do. With decades of experience offering professional towing services in Metro Atlanta and surrounding cities, we’ve seen firsthand how critical the Move Over Law is to saving lives. Here, we will discuss what the Move Over Law entails, why it matters, and how you can do your part to keep emergency responders, including tow truck operators, safe on the job.
What Is the Move Over Law?
The Move Over Law, enacted in Georgia in 2003, mandates that drivers approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights (including police, fire, EMS, DOT, and tow trucks) must move over one lane if possible. If changing lanes isn’t safe or feasible, drivers are required to slow down to a reasonable speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution. The law applies to:
- Law enforcement vehicles
- Fire trucks
- Ambulances
- Utility vehicles
- HERO units
- Tow trucks and wreckers
Why the Move Over Law Matters
While it may seem like common sense to steer clear of roadside responders, countless emergency workers are injured, or worse, every year due to inattentive or reckless drivers. According to national statistics, a tow truck operator is killed roughly every six days in the United States, often while assisting stranded motorists.
At New Image Towing, we’ve lost colleagues in the towing industry to these tragic, preventable incidents. Our operators frequently work in high-risk environments, from busy highways to rural roads, often in the dark or during poor weather conditions. The Move Over Law isn’t just a regulation, it’s a life-saving measure.
The Role of Tow Truck Operators in Roadside Safety
When you search for a “tow truck near me”, you’re not just asking for vehicle recovery—you’re calling on highly trained professionals who are often the first on the scene in emergencies. Tow truck drivers:
- Clear wreckage and debris from accident sites
- Jump-start dead batteries or deliver fuel
- Transport vehicles that are broken down or damaged
- Help stranded motorists get back on the road safely
These tasks place them in direct proximity to fast-moving traffic. Even with reflective gear and flashing lights, tow operators are extremely vulnerable. Every time a driver fails to move over or slow down, it increases the risk of a serious or fatal incident.
Penalties for Ignoring the Move Over Law in Georgia
In Georgia, failing to comply with the Move Over Law can lead to fines of up to $500 and points on your driver’s license. Beyond legal repercussions, the emotional cost of causing injury or death to a responder is immeasurable. Georgia’s Department of Public Safety regularly conducts awareness campaigns and enforcement initiatives to ensure compliance. Yet many drivers remain unaware of the law—or worse, choose to ignore it. At New Image Towing, we believe that public education is the key to improving compliance and keeping our roads safer for everyone.
How You Can Help: Safe Driving Tips Around Tow Trucks
Being a responsible driver isn’t just about obeying laws—it’s about sharing the road respectfully. Here are a few tips to help protect emergency responders and tow truck operators:
- Stay Alert – Avoid distractions like texting or adjusting your GPS. Keep your eyes on the road, especially when you see flashing lights ahead.
- Move Over – When you see a tow truck, police car, or ambulance stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights, safely merge into the next lane over.
- Slow Down – If you can’t switch lanes, reduce your speed significantly and pass with caution.
- Signal Early – Let other drivers know your intentions with early turn signals when merging around emergency scenes.
- Don’t Rubberneck – Slowing down too much to look at an accident scene can cause traffic jams and secondary accidents. Focus on the road ahead.
New Image Towing: Your Local Towing Experts
As a trusted name in towing services, New Image Towing has proudly served Metro Atlanta since 1974. Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire, a dead battery, or a serious accident, our highly trained professionals are available 24/7 to help. We offer:
- Emergency towing
- Heavy-duty towing
- Accident recovery
- Equipment transport
- Roadside assistance
When you search for “tow truck near me” on your mobile device, you want reliability, fast response times, and expert service. That’s exactly what we deliver—along with a strong commitment to safety for our team and the public alike.
Join Us in Supporting the Move Over Law
We all share Georgia’s roads and the responsibility to keep them safe. By following the Move Over Law, you’re not only protecting emergency responders but also helping prevent delays, secondary accidents, and tragic outcomes. At New Image Towing, we encourage all drivers to stay informed, drive responsibly, and always be mindful of those who work inches away from fast-moving traffic. If you witness unsafe driving near emergency scenes, report it. Your actions could save a life.
Safety Is #1
The Move Over Law isn’t just about compliance—it’s about compassion and community. Every time you move over or slow down for a tow truck or emergency vehicle, you’re playing a part in a larger effort to protect lives. If you or someone you know is ever in need of fast, professional, and safe towing services, remember New Image Towing. We’re here 24/7 to serve Metro Atlanta with dedication, skill, and a deep respect for the safety of our team and our customers. Need help on the road? Search “tow truck near me” and choose New Image Towing—the name you can trust.
