Tennessee Highway Patrol Partnered with Tennessee Department of Transportation to Bring Awareness to Move Over Law in Nashville

THP’s goal is to make the highways safer for everyone, including those who work along the roadways

NASHVILLE - On February 16, 2017, the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) followed behind Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) Help Trucks. This event was labeled “Operation S.O.S.” (Operation Safety on the Smart ways). The goal of this operation was designed to educate and inform motorists on the importance of moving over to give space for all who work on and along the highways. THP felt compelled to initiate this due to the fact that three TDOT workers have been killed within the last 12 months.

The Move Over Law requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency and service workers that are working on or along the roadway. THP assigned 17 troopers to follow behind TDOT Help Trucks in the Nashville area. These troopers pulled over drivers who violated the Move Over Law as the TDOT Help Trucks performed their normal duties, i.e. assisting motorists, removing debris, and responding to various types of calls for service.

This unique enforcement event was conducted from 5:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. During the course of the operation, troopers patrolled all of the interstates coming into Nashville (I-40, I-65, I-24, & I-440). Troopers issued 41 Move Over citations, one Texting and Driving Citation, and arrested one person for D.U.I. This operation was a success, and it shows the dangers all emergency and service personnel face as they work on the side of the roadway.

Here is some video link https://youtu.be/nass0vUHtLk to footage of “Operation S.O.S.” Any use of video material must credit TDOT.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to serve, secure, and protect the people of Tennessee.

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