TYLER, Texas (KLTV) – Two Texas first responders were killed while working traffic in the past week, prompting officials to urge drivers to follow the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law.
Montgomery County Deputy Erika Seratto was killed while working an existing accident on I-45 early Sunday morning. Mabank Fire Chief Charlie Woodard was killed while directing traffic at the town’s rodeo Saturday night. The cause of both deaths remains under investigation.
What the law requires
The Move Over or Slow Down law requires drivers who see a first responder or road worker on the side of the road to change lanes. If a lane change is not possible, drivers must reduce their speed by 20 miles per hour. The law also applies to vehicles such as garbage trucks displaying flashing lights.
A first-time violation can result in a fine of $1,250. Drivers who cause serious damage, injuries or death can face more serious charges.
Work zone crash data
Jeff Williford, public information officer for TxDOT’s Tyler District, said there were more than 28,000 work zone crashes across Texas in 2025. Of those, 203 people died.
“85% of those, the injury or the death occurred with the driver or the passenger, it wasn’t necessarily the workers who were out there, mainly because we focus on safety,” Williford said.
Officers face dual dangers
Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Andy Erbaugh said officers are always thinking about road safety in addition to managing traffic stops and other duties.
“You don’t know who you’re stopping. You don’t know who’s in the car with them. You don’t know what’s going on. So that’s, first and foremost, our safety is for that, much less having to watch out for somebody who’s just driving on the road that might run us over,” Erbaugh said.
Williford added that compliance is both a legal obligation and a matter of basic courtesy.
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