In a step aiming to enhance the safety of those working to protect our four-legged companions, Texas has extended its Move Over/Slow Down law to encompass Animal Services vehicles and officers. This new ordinance, which went into effect as of September 1, mandates drivers to decelerate to 20 miles per hour below the existing speed limit and, when feasible, to change lanes when passing Animal Services vehicles that are stopped on the roadside with lights activated or while officers are attending to duties on the road.
According to a recent social media post by the Lewisville Police Department, the law is put in place "to protect those who protect our animals and communities." The department has clearly outlined the two key actions required of drivers: to not just "SLOW DOWN" but also to "MOVE OVER" to signal respect and precaution for the safety of these officers. The #MoveOverSlowDown hashtag helms the social media drive to raise awareness of the updated law.
Public reaction to the new law has been generally favorable, with many social media users expressing their support for the extended protection it grants to Animal Services personnel. The comments beneath the police department's announcement reflect a community that acknowledges the risks these workers face on the roads and the necessity of legislative action to mitigate such hazards.
