Car accidents are often the result of unusual or unexpected situations. Depending on your driving habits, you may go a long time without seeing any emergency vehicles, tow trucks or Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles. Knowing how to handle these situations can help you avoid a deadly mistake.
How To Deal With Those Flashing Lights
Texas Transportation Code 545.157 governs these types of interactions. First, let’s explain the kinds of vehicles that you could see along the road:
- Emergency vehicles, including police cars, ambulances and fire trucks
- Tow trucks
- TxDOT vehicles
- Any highway maintenance or construction vehicle
- Service or utility vehicles
The purpose of the law is to address the dangers faced by roadside workers. Ideally, this will reduce injuries (or worse) to first responders, maintenance workers or TxDOT personnel, particularly in a state with high rates of distracted driving.
When you see one of these vehicles, you have two options:
- You should move over to create an empty lane between you and that vehicle.
- If there isn’t a lane you can move into, you can slow down to 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit. (Or, if the posted limit is 25 mph or less, just slow down to 5 mph under the limit.)
The Texas Department of Transportation is currently running a traffic safety campaign on this topic. The name says it all: Move Over or Slow Down.
Penalties and Liability
While the law has been in place for decades, it was changed fairly recently to increase the penalties for violations. A first offense can lead to a fine of $1,250. If a violation leads to a serious injury, the driver responsible may end up in jail in addition to paying thousands of dollars in fines.
When these vehicles have their lights flashing or lamps on, they’re working and need other drivers to proceed with caution. Anyone who fails to obey the law will be liable for any accident that results.
Be Alert, Stay Safe
In general, it’s a good idea to assume that vehicles such as police cars, ambulances and tow trucks could turn their emergency lights on at any time. Even if their lights are off now, be ready to move out of the way and slow down at a moment’s notice. Avoid speeding or tailgating such vehicles. If you can, give them a wide berth.
Making smart choices behind the wheel gets easier with practice. Over time, it can become a reflex action to slow down and move over for vehicles on the side of the road. Even if the car is just someone pulled over with a flat tire, they would appreciate more room to address the problem.
Reach Out to an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one have been injured in a car accident, you need experienced legal guidance. At The Fell Law Firm, our skilled lawyers will help you get the money you deserve. Call us today at 972-450-1418 or contact us online to schedule a consultation.
