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BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — October is "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Massachusetts and on Thursday morning, transportation officials stressed the importance of the state's "Move Over" Law.
Triple A Northeast sponsored a virtual press conference to remind the public of the importance of being alert, especially when red, yellow, or blue lights are on the road.
John Galvin, the president, and CEO of AAA Northeast, says drivers need to remember to slow down and slide over a lane because failure to do that can have tragic consequences.
"So far this year, we've lost 14 tow truck drivers across the country and on average 24 first responders die each year based on roadside accidents," said Galvin.
State transportation officials also participated in the conference and pointed out that traffic in some places is back to pre-pandemic levels.
READ MORE: Mass. Lawmakers To Hear Bills That Aim To Improve Bicyclist Safety
Mary Maguire with AAA Northeast, read a message from Ken Young, a AAA tow truck driver who was seriously injured on the side of the road several years ago.
"Ken says and I quote, 'treat everyone like they were your family so no one gets hurt. Keep your eyes open, if you don't move over you could hurt someone," said Maguire.
Officials added, it seems like people are re-learning how to drive, with many traveling too fast and forgetting they shouldn't be texting while driving.
WBZ NewsRadio's Carl Stevens (@carlWBZ) reports:
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