SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER: How to Protect Spartanburg's Tow Truck Drivers

Erika
Jun 1
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago

Every day in Spartanburg County and across South Carolina, tow truck drivers, sheriff deputies, firefighters, EMS crews, and highway workers put their lives on the line on our roads. What many drivers don’t realize is that the #1 danger for towing professionals is not the vehicle they’re recovering — it’s the traffic flying past them at 70+ mph.

As a local towing company serving Spartanburg, Boiling Springs, Inman, Chesnee, Duncan, and the I-85 corridor, Jimmy Ray’s Towing sees firsthand how close these calls can be. That’s why South Carolina’s Slow Down, Move Over Law is so important — and why more drivers need to understand what the law requires.

What Is South Carolina’s Slow Down, Move Over Law?

South Carolina Code §56-5-1538 requires drivers to:

Move over to the next lane when approaching emergency vehicles, tow trucks, DOT workers, or service vehicles displaying flashing lights.
If moving over is not possible, drivers must slow down significantly and proceed with caution.

The law applies to:

Tow trucks
Law enforcement vehicles
Fire trucks
EMS/ambulances
Highway maintenance and utility vehicles
ANY vehicle with flashing red, blue, or amber lights

Violations can result in hefty fines, points on your license, and — more importantly — someone getting seriously hurt.

Why This Law Matters: Tow Truck Drivers Are Being Hit Every Year

Nationwide, towing operators are struck and killed every six days. In South Carolina, multiple incidents happen yearly on:

I-85 through Spartanburg & Cherokee County
I-26 near Boiling Springs & Inman
Hwy 29 & Hwy 221
Busy local roads where drivers aren’t paying attention

Most crashes happen because drivers:

Are speeding
Are distracted
Don’t realize the law includes tow trucks
Don’t think they have enough time to move over

But you always have time to save a life.

How Drivers in Spartanburg Can Help Prevent Roadside Tragedies

You can help protect first responders and tow truck drivers by following these simple but critical steps:

1. Move Over Early

As soon as you see flashing lights — even far ahead — merge to the next lane ASAP.

2. Slow Down to a Safe Speed

If you can’t merge left, slow down at least 20 mph below the posted limit and pass

carefully.

3. Avoid Distractions

Put the phone down, silence notifications, and keep your eyes forward.

4. Give Tow Truck Operators Extra Space

Operators often have to:

Walk close to traffic
Set up equipment
Load vehicles
Handle tense situations

They need every extra inch of room.

5. Educate Young Drivers

Teen drivers in Spartanburg County are disproportionately involved in Move Over violations. Teaching them early saves lives.

Local Impact: What Jimmy Ray’s Towing Sees Daily

Our operators respond to calls on:

I-85
I-26
Hwy 29
Hwy 11
Boiling Springs Rd
Reidville Rd
Hwy 221

These areas are high-risk because of:

Speeding
Heavy traffic
Tight shoulders
Limited visibility

We’ve had close calls where:

Drivers drifted into the shoulder
Vehicles passed at full interstate speed
A distracted driver nearly struck equipment
Operators had to jump out of the way

We share this not to scare you — but to show how real the risk is.

What To Do If You Break Down in Spartanburg County

If your vehicle becomes disabled, here’s how to stay safe while waiting for a tow truck:

Pull as far off the road as safely possible
Turn on your hazard lights immediately
Stay in your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to do so
Call a trusted local towing company — like Jimmy Ray’s Towing (864-495-5555)
Do not stand near traffic lanes
Follow instructions from your tow operator