Slow Down Move Over campaign comes to Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It’s a long line of police, EMS, fire trucks, tow trucks and other vehicles are all part of the American Towman spirit ride. It came from Jacksonville to bring awareness to the Slow Down Move Over law.

It became a law in North Carolina in 2002. It requires drivers to move one lane away from any law enforcement, emergency vehicles or tow trucks which are on the side of the highway. Kirby’s Towing got the tour to come to Wilmington because they believe it’s a law which needs more attention to keep other towers safe.

“While we’re sitting here trying to clean up, we’re also trying to watch behind us to keep people from trying to run us over and that’s one thing about the move over slow down law. It’s there to protect us and that’s the reason why we’re trying to bring awareness to people,” tow truck driver Johnnie Whaley said.

On the back of the red tow truck is a casket to represent the people killed over the years by drivers who didn’t move over. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office wants people to be more aware as well.

“These men and women are putting their lives at stake being on the side of the road, cars are flying by and that’s not limited to law enforcement. You got to include fire, EMS and now tow trucks as well. They’re on the side of the road helping people and they’re putting their lives at stake. So, you got to make sure you move over or at least slow down significantly,” New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Lieutenant Jerry Brewer said.

They hope this will help save a life, one driver at a time.