In Texas, a significant update has been made to the state's Move Over/Slow Down law, now extending the same protections previously afforded to first responders to include Animal Services vehicles and officers. According to a social media post from Keller Public Safety, state legislation this year was instrumental in enacting this change. The announcement underscores the state's commitment to ensuring the safety of those who take up the task of protecting our non-human residents.
This updated legislation mandates that motorists must slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an Animal Services vehicle with flashing lights, or move over a lane when it's practical and safe. It's a straightforward but essential precaution aimed at providing a safer environment for Animal Services officers who often find themselves in vulnerable positions along busy roadsides.
The inclusion of Animal Services under this law's umbrella is more than a nod to the value of animal welfare—it affirms the perilous nature of the roadside work carried out by these officers. The rejuvenated Move Over/Slow Down law acknowledges that the lives at stake are not only those sheltered within the confines of metal and rubber but also those who tread on paws, hooves, and claws, along with individuals who safeguard them.
