Slow down move over rally in Wytheville set for June 8

BRISTOL - Employees from the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Bristol District will participate in the Eighth Annual Slow Down Move Over Rally on Saturday, June 8 at Wytheville Community College from 6 – 8 p.m.

The event is free and open to the public.

The rally allows emergency service organizations to talk with the public about safety and to remind them of the state law requiring motorists to slow down or move over when they see emergency vehicles with blue or amber lights working along the highway.

It also lets children get an up-close look at the vehicles VDOT uses daily to perform maintenance work. VDOT plans to have a mock work zone with equipment on display within the “work zone.”

“Over 50 emergency vehicles and multiple exhibits will be available, spreading awareness of the Slow Down Move Over Law,” said VDOT Area Construction Engineer Todd Repass. “Distracted driving has a big impact on worker safety so bringing awareness to that and the law is integral to the safety of all emergency response personnel including VDOT and tow truck personnel who use amber lights.”

In addition to emergency, tow truck and construction vehicles, this year’s event includes fire department extrication demonstrations, activities for kids and Wings Air Ambulance.

The event is sponsored by the American Society of Highway Engineers’ Blue Ridge Chapter and organized by 103 Towing in Wytheville. For more information, contact Clay Bush at 276-613-0997.