SOLEDAD — Pete’s Towing and towing companies throughout California are aiming to bring more awareness to the “Slow Down Move Over” campaign, which tries to increase public awareness about safety when passing emergency vehicles on the highway or roadways.
The local “Slow Down Move Over” event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 23, at 2 p.m. at Soledad Bar and Grill, 235 West St. in Soledad.
“It started back East and is traveling all over the country,” said Mayra Saldana, event coordinator. “Right now the event is in Sacramento and will be working its way down California.”
Different towing companies are involved with bringing the event to each city. “Slow Down Move Over” event will start in Gilroy and move to Salinas and then to Soledad, focusing on the statistic that one tow truck driver is killed every six days.
A state law was passed for people who work on roadways, such as law enforcement, CHP, police and fire departments, ambulance and tow trucks, who are assisting someone with injuries or in need on the side of the road. The law requires that drivers slow down and vacate the lane closest to a stationary emergency response vehicle with flashing emergency lights, if safe to do so.
“The main reason why this spirit run is happening is to bring more awareness to the public,” Saldana said.
The public awareness campaign will have special guests from the Spirit Ride and some CHP officers as well.
