TxDOT reminds drivers to move over, slow down for roadside vehicles

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Transportation is reminding drivers to be alert when passing vehicles that are on the shoulder lane of a road.

The reminder comes after a tow truck driver was struck and killed Tuesday evening while assisting another vehicle on the shoulder lane of the expressway in Harlingen.

According to TxDOT, state law requires drivers to move over to another lane when passing law enforcement, tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders, and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road.

The state law also urges drivers to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit when passing a vehicle that is on a shoulder lane.

Drivers can receive a fine of up to $1,250 for a first offense. Drivers who cause serious injuries by not moving over or slowing down may face jail time and a fine of up to $4,000.