The summer driving season between Memorial Day and Labor Day can be a particularly dangerous time for law enforcement, as millions of Americans take to the roads and officers step up safety patrols. Forty-eight law-enforcement officers died in traffic-related incidents in 2014, according to data compiled by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund. Those 48 men and women left behind family, colleagues, neighbors, and friends, all of whom were faced with tragic loss.
In addition to maintaining a safe speed and driving only when sober, drivers need to be especially mindful of officers who will be out enforcing traffic laws. The Memorial Fund’s Drive Safely campaign promotes a number of actions motorists can take to protect law-enforcement officers, other drivers, and themselves:
Focus on driving. Avoid talking on your cell phone or texting. In the U.S., 46 states plus U.S. territories ban text messaging for all drivers. Fourteen states plus U.S. territories prohibit all drivers from using handheld cell phones while driving. Also refrain from eating or searching for items in your vehicle while driving. When traveling 55 mph or faster, a two-second distraction can be deadly. Adjust your speed for road conditions. Wet pavement can be especially dangerous this time of year.
Slow down and “move over.” If you see an emergency vehicle stopped by the side of the road, slow down and safely move over one lane. All 50 states now have “move over” laws, and violators can be ticketed and fined.
Get out of the way of emergency vehicles. If an emergency vehicle has its lights or siren activated, slow down, move to the right, and stop if possible. Once the vehicle passes, do not follow it too closely.
Stay off the shoulder. Driving on the shoulder of a roadway is not only illegal— it’s dangerous. Emergency vehicles use the shoulder to get to crash scenes faster, where a few seconds can mean the difference between life and death.
Watch officers’ hands as they direct traffic. And listen for whistles or other audible signals from officers on how to proceed.
“Motorists can help prevent peace officer deaths and injuries this summer,” said Memorial Fund Chairman & CEO Craig W. Floyd. “The Memorial Fund’s Drive Safely campaign reminds motorists to closely follow U.S. laws aimed at distracted driving, move over when peace officers are visibly working, pay special attention to officers on the roads, and follow other common-sense traffic safety measures. Every time we get behind the wheel, we owe these brave men and women our full attention and consideration.”
For more information, safety tips and resources, visit LawMemorial.org/DriveSafely .
