TAKE THE NEXT EXIT. Save lives.
I believe no one should be pulled over directly on the freeway. The flashing lights create a dangerous distraction for other drivers, and unlike work zones with clear advance warning signs, these stops appear suddenly with no heads-up. We need a law that requires officers to direct pulled-over drivers to proceed safely to the next exit or a designated safe area instead of stopping on the shoulder. This simple change could save lives—both for law enforcement and everyday drivers like me.
I’ve seen it happen too many times: you’re cruising down the highway, and suddenly there are those bright flashing blue and red lights on the side. Your attention gets pulled toward them. Studies show that 80% of drivers admit they slow down or rubberneck when they see emergency vehicles at a traffic stop. Some call it the “moth effect,” where people fixate on the strobing lights and unconsciously drift toward them. Even if the science on exact “moth-to-flame” drifting is mixed, the real-world distraction is undeniable—especially at night or high speeds with no warning signs.
nsc.org
The statistics are alarming. Between 2015 and 2019, 70 law enforcement officers were struck and killed by passing vehicles while outside their patrol cars—28% of all traffic-related officer fatalities in that period. Many of these happened during traffic stops or assisting motorists on the roadside, and 34% involved drivers who violated “Slow Down and Move Over” laws. In 2023 alone, 45 crash responders (nearly half law enforcement) were struck and killed nationally, with a three-year total of 155 such fatalities. In Utah that same year, there were 913 crashes where a responder vehicle was struck—73% involving law enforcement—often due to drivers going too fast or failing to yield to those flashing lights.
nleomf.org +1
Broader crashes tell the same story: In 2024, 225 people died in incidents involving emergency vehicles, with 56% of the fatalities being occupants of regular passenger vehicles. Police vehicles accounted for the largest share. These numbers don’t even capture all the near-misses, property damage, and secondary pile-ups caused by distraction and sudden lane changes around stopped patrol cars.
injuryfacts.nsc.org
Work zones get cones, signs, and reduced speeds because we know they’re dangerous. Why don’t we treat sudden freeway traffic stops the same way? Officers already try to choose safe spots when they can, but we can do better with a clear statewide or federal guideline: No routine stops on the freeway shoulder. Direct the driver to the next exit ramp or well-lit rest area. This keeps high-speed traffic flowing safely past the hazard instead of squeezing by flashing lights inches from the travel lane. It protects officers who are out of their vehicles and prevents distracted drivers from causing tragedy.
I’m calling for awareness and real change. If you agree, share this, talk to your legislators, and support “Next Exit Stop” legislation. Stronger enforcement of Move Over laws helps, but preventing the dangerous setup in the first place is smarter. Let’s make our freeways safer for everyone—officers doing their jobs and families just trying to get home. What do you think—ready to push for this law?
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