Pennsylvania House Bill HR555

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/4/24
• Refer: 10/4/24
• Passed: 10/22/24

Caption

Recognizing October 19, 2024, as "National Move Over Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

Impact

The resolution supports ongoing efforts to educate the public about Pennsylvania's existing 'move over law,' which mandates that motorists change lanes to provide a safe space for emergency responders attending to incidents on the highways. If successfully recognized, the day will serve as a reminder to motorists of their legal and moral obligation to exercise caution when driving near scenes involving emergency responders. This aligns with efforts to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries among first responders while reinforcing existing legislation aimed at enhancing roadside safety.

Summary

House Resolution 555 was introduced in Pennsylvania to recognize October 19, 2024, as 'National Move Over Awareness Day.' The resolution acknowledges the heightened dangers faced by traffic incident management responders—such as law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency medical services—due to the increasing rates of distracted driving leading to roadside accidents. With at least 283 responders killed nationwide since 2019 and 159 in Pennsylvania alone, the resolution aims to highlight the critical issue of safety among these workers and the importance of public awareness regarding traffic laws designed to protect them.

Sentiment

General sentiment regarding HR555 appears to be supportive, reflective of a proactive approach to public safety. Stakeholders recognize the significance of promoting awareness for traffic incident management responders, highlighting the necessity of ensuring their safety while fulfilling critical roles. The resolution underscores a collective responsibility among motorists to observe safety measures while navigating roadside incidents, generating shared acknowledgment of the dangers these workers face.

Contention

While HR555 primarily serves to create awareness and support existing laws, potential contention could arise regarding the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and their actual impact on driver behavior. Some may question if simply designating a day is sufficient to bring about real change in the attitudes of drivers, especially given the ongoing challenges associated with distracted driving. Nonetheless, the resolution appears to have garnered overwhelming support, as reflected in the voting history, suggesting consensus on the importance of the issue addressed.