Petition Rewritten:

We, the undersigned, urgently call for the reinforcement and rigorous enforcement of Move Over and Distracted Driving Laws to safeguard the lives of our first responders and roadway workers.

Move Over laws were established to create a protective zone and raise awareness for emergency personnel, highway workers, and commuters alike. Despite their existence, many drivers blatantly ignore these laws, leading to preventable injuries and fatalities.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), annually, 600 to 800 fatalities occur involving pedestrians or workers—ranging from law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, to tow truck operators—being struck by vehicles on freeways and highways in the United States.

Expanding beyond Move Over laws, distracted driving has been a factor in around 2,800 to 3,000 fatal crashes annually, comprising approximately 8% to 10% of all traffic fatalities, as per recent NHTSA data. Additionally, tens of thousands of non-fatal crashes are attributed to distracted driving each year. Furthermore, NHTSA reports 91,000 police-reported crashes resulting in 50,000 injuries and 800 fatalities (1.57%) annually due to drowsy driving.

Distracted driving and failing to move over contribute to a significant portion of highway-related fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving alone accounted for over 3,100 deaths in 2019. In recent years, the number has been around 30,000 to 40,000 deaths per year.

Similarly, freeway construction zones witness a concerning number of accidents, with an average of 10,000 crashes occurring each year due to distracted driving and failing to move over, as reported by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). These accidents lead to numerous injuries and deaths, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced safety measures in construction zones.

The economic impact of a traffic collision causing interstate closure can be substantial, with an average cost of around $300,000 per hour or $5,000 per minute, or to break down more that's $83.33 a second, according to a study by the Federal Highway Administration.

The towing industry alone in the United States generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, estimated to be around $7 to $10 billion. Similarly, the road infrastructure construction industry sees significant investment, with an estimated annual spending of $90 to $100 billion.

We implore lawmakers to impose stricter penalties on those who violate Move Over laws, particularly when their actions result in serious injury or death. These penalties should encompass substantial fines, license suspension, and potential criminal charges.

The safety of those who selflessly risk their lives to serve and maintain our roadways must be our top priority. By enforcing and strengthening Move Over laws, we can ensure the protection of our first responders and roadway workers and prevent tragic losses on our highways.

Join us in signing this petition to demonstrate your support for reinforcing and enhancing Move Over laws. Together, we can pave the way for safer roads for everyone.