06/12/2026
🚨 Move Over or Slow Down – It’s the Law in Texas! 🚨
Last night, one of our patrol vehicles was struck while a Deputy was assisting a stranded motorist on the shoulder. Thankfully, both the Deputy and the other driver walked away uninjured. This incident is a reminder of why Texas’ Move Over or Slow Down Law exists — to protect public servants and roadside workers like law enforcement, EMS, tow truck operators, TxDOT crews, utility workers, animal control officers, parking enforcement personnel, and especially citizens.
👮♂️ What the Law Requires (Texas Transportation Code § 545.157):
Move Over
On multi-lane roads, safely change lanes away from a stopped vehicle displaying flashing lights. This creates a “buffer zone” to protect roadside personnel.
Slow Down
If you can’t change lanes safely (e.g., on a two-lane road), reduce your speed to:
20 mph below the posted limit (if >25 mph), or
5 mph (when the speed limit is 25 mph or less).
⚠️ Why It Matters
This law isn’t just a recommendation—it’s legally required. Failure to comply could result in fines up to $1,250 for a first offense, and higher penalties (potentially up to $4,000 or even jail time) if injuries occur. Crucially, it safeguards those who serve and protect us—enabling them to do their job without fear of being hit by passing vehicles.
💛 A Message from the Johnson County Sheriff's Office
We’re committed to keeping our community safe—especially when someone calls for help on the roadside. So next time you see flashing lights up ahead, remember to move over one lane if you can. If not, slow down immediately. Your awareness could save a life—maybe even that of an officer helping someone in need.
DID YOU KNOW?
Flashing police lights can feel “hypnotic” because of how the human brain processes rhythmic, high‑contrast visual stimuli. This is why it is important to move over or slow down. What creates that effect:
• Rapid, repetitive patterns: The brain is naturally drawn to patterns—especially repeating light pulses. When lights flash at certain speeds, your attention can lock onto the rhythm automatically.
• High contrast and brightness: Police lights are extremely bright and sharply colored (red, blue, white).
• Evolutionary attention bias: Humans are wired to notice sudden environmental changes—especially light and motion—because they might signal danger. Police lights are designed to exploit this instinct so people will slow down, move over, or pay attention.
Thank you for your help in keeping everyone safe. 🌟
Lt. K. George
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
“In service, with care.”