Coweta Sheriff Deputy Struck
PRESS RELEASE
Slow Down Move Over Inc.
March 22, 2026
“Another Preventable Tragedy on I-85 — How Many Warnings Does It Take?”
Just days before the upcoming trial of Christopher Thornton in connection with the death of tow operator Toby Bowden, tragedy has struck again — on the very same stretch of Interstate 85 in Coweta County.
Despite years of advocacy, public awareness campaigns, and relentless efforts to educate drivers following Toby Bowden’s death, another first responder has now been seriously injured after a driver failed to move over for flashing emergency lights.
On March 22, 2026, a Coweta County deputy was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 85 South near mile marker 49 when a vehicle slammed into the rear of the patrol unit at highway speed. The deputy sustained serious injuries. A detained individual inside the patrol car was also injured.
Let that sink in.
Flashing blue lights. A marked patrol vehicle. A controlled traffic stop.
And still — someone didn’t move over.
This is no longer negligence. This is a pattern. This is a culture problem on our highways.
Slow Down Move Over Inc. has stood in Coweta County, spoken in Coweta County, and mourned in Coweta County. We have said the name Toby Bowden over and over so that it would not be forgotten. Yet here we are again — another life nearly taken in the exact same way, in the exact same place, under the exact same circumstances.
This is more than an epidemic. It is a failure — of attention, of accountability, and of respect for human life.
Every driver in Georgia is required by law to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles, tow operators, and first responders. This is not a suggestion. It is not optional. It is the difference between someone going home or not.
How many more warnings do people need?
How many more lives have to be shattered before this behavior changes?
We are grateful that, at this time, the deputy is reported to be in stable condition. But let’s be clear — this could have easily been another funeral.
Slow Down Move Over Inc. will continue to fight, speak out, and hold drivers accountable. But awareness without action is meaningless.
If you see flashing lights — move over.
If you can’t move over — slow down.
There are no excuses left.
#SlowDownMoveOver #TobyBowden #CowetaCounty #MoveOverLaw #ProtectThoseWhoProtectYou
Living in Georgia, I've seen firsthand how critical it is for drivers to respect the Move Over Law. This tragic incident on Interstate 85 in Coweta County painfully reminds us that despite repeated warnings and public campaigns, many drivers still fail to slow down and move over for emergency responders. The law requires all drivers to give a clear lane change or reduce speed when approaching vehicles displaying flashing lights on the roadside—whether they’re police, tow operators, or firefighters. However, enforcement remains challenging, and drivers often underestimate how fast emergency scenes can become deadly zones. I recall a time when I was driving along a busy highway and noticed a patrol vehicle with flashing blue lights pulled over ahead. Instinctively, I slowed down and carefully switched lanes to ensure safety—not just for the deputy but for everyone. It’s such a simple action, yet it can save lives and prevent tragedies like the one on March 22, 2026. The Coweta County deputy who was struck suffered serious injuries and required hospital care, along with a detained individual inside the patrol car. Thankfully, both are reported to be in stable condition, but this could have easily been fatal. This incident occurred just before the trial surrounding the death of tow operator Toby Bowden, showing how persistent this tragic pattern is. By sharing this, my goal is to stress how we all share responsibility when on the road. Awareness of the Move Over Law isn’t enough unless it leads to real changes in driving behavior. Each time we ignore flashing emergency lights or fail to provide adequate space, we endanger responders who are protecting us. If you ever see flashing lights on the side of the highway, please, move over safely or at least slow down significantly. There should be no excuses left for neglecting this life-saving law. Together, as drivers and community members, we can help break this cycle of preventable accidents and protect those who risk their lives every day to keep us safe. Remember: flashing lights mean danger—and respect for those working on highways is not optional. Let this be a call to action for all Georgia drivers to protect lives and uphold the law.