How Does Moving Over Keep Polk County First Responders Safe?

When you see flashing lights and hear the sirens while in a line of traffic, the time it takes you to respond determines how quickly help arrives to those in need and how safely first responders can do their jobs.

Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to pull to the right for approaching emergency vehicles and to move over or slow down when passing emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadside.

In Polk County, Florida, emergency crews respond to an estimated 130,000 calls each year. Deputy Chief Jennifer Huff of Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) says the safest thing a driver can do when an emergency vehicle approaches is to slow down, stay aware and look for a safe place to pull to the right. That simple action allows the responding unit to pass on the left and maintain momentum toward the emergency. Deputy Huff said one of the most dangerous mistakes is when drivers stop abruptly in the middle of the lane instead of moving aside.

“An abrupt stop jeopardizes the safety of the motorist and those in the emergency vehicle.”
– PCFR Deputy Chief Jennifer

 

 

The Risks First Responders Face on the Roadside

The danger doesn’t end once crews reach the scene. When firefighters and paramedics are working a crash on the shoulder of a roadway, they are exposed to fast‑moving traffic just feet away, and distracted driving remains one of the biggest threats. Deputy Chief Huff said emergency workers rely on drivers to approach slowly, stay focused and give them the space they need to work safely. She urges motorists to approach with caution at a safe speed and keep their attention on the roadway because even a momentary lapse can put responders at risk. PCFR responds to an estimated 7,800 emergency vehicle–related calls each year, meaning crews routinely face these hazardous roadside environments. Huff added that the Move Over Law reinforces these expectations by reminding drivers of their responsibility to create a safer work area for responders and encouraging the habits that help protect everyone on the road.

How the Move Over Law Supports Vision Zero

The emphasis on roadway safety aligns closely with the Polk Transportation Planning Organization’s (TPO) Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries across the county. Vision Zero recognizes that while human error is inevitable, fatal outcomes don’t have to be. The initiative focuses on safer road design, public education, and data‑driven strategies to protect everyone who uses Polk County’s transportation network, including the firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement officers who respond to emergencies every day.

A Shared Responsibility for Safer Roads

In the end, roadway safety is a shared responsibility. Polk County’s first responders are committed to protecting the community and Vision Zero is committed to building a safer transportation system for everyone. Drivers play a vital role in both efforts.

The next time you see flashing lights, whether approaching from behind or stopped on the roadside, take the steps that save lives by slowing down, moving over and staying focused. It’s a small action with a profound impact on the safety of your neighbors and the people who rush to help them.