San Antonio, Texas – Seventeen years after a tragic accident that transformed her life, a Texas woman is spearheading a campaign to broaden the state’s traffic safety laws to cover all stopped vehicles, not just emergency responders. Heather Haenes, who lost both legs when a car struck her as she stood between two vehicles on a highway shoulder, is collaborating with advocacy groups to push for these changes.
Texas’ existing “Move Over or Slow Down” law mandates that drivers either change lanes or reduce their speed when passing stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles with active overhead lights. However, Haenes and supporters argue this protection should extend to all motorists stranded or stopped along the roadside.
Across the United States, all 50 states have enacted Move Over laws targeted at improving safety for emergency and utility workers along highways. Yet, Haenes’ experience underlines a critical gap in these regulations: the inclusion of civilian vehicles experiencing mechanical issues or the aftermath of an accident.
Recalling the moments that led to her injuries, Haenes shared that her ordeal began when her car was hit shortly after she pulled over due to an initial minor accident. She was standing outside the vehicle when another car collided into the wreck, pinning her between the two. The impact was so severe that emergency responders had to amputate her limbs at the scene.
The aftermath of the accident forced Haenes into a new way of life, involving years of physical therapy and adaptation to regain mobility and engage in activities she loves like biking and skiing. Her recovery journey inspired her to advocate for more inclusive traffic safety laws.
As part of her advocacy work, Haenes has partnered with AAA Texas, which supports expanding the coverage of Move Over laws. They argue that many accidents involving stationary vehicles on the roadside could be avoided if drivers were more cautious and alert.
This call for legislative change is especially pertinent as the nation observes National Move Over Day on October 19, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the laws designed to protect those who find themselves and their vehicles in vulnerable positions on roadsides.
AAA and Haenes have emphasized several best practices for drivers: maintaining vigilance, minimizing distractions, and being prepared to slow down or switch lanes when approaching stationary vehicles and roadside situations.
Their collective efforts aim not only to protect stranded drivers but also to ensure that all road users arrive safely at their destinations. In a message to the public, Haenes articulates a simple yet powerful reminder: “We all have a responsibility to be mindful and keep each other safe.”
As advocacy for this cause grows, the story of Heather Haenes serves as a poignant reminder of how a moment’s distraction on the road can lead to life-altering consequences, but also how personal tragedy can fuel a campaign that might save lives.
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