We’d be the last to implore the Texas Department of Public Safety to issue tickets to local drivers. Tickets are expensive and the fallout for an individual driver’s insurance can make the penalty for an infraction steeper still.

But DPS’ “Move Over/Slow Down” public campaign is becoming tedious. Here’s what Steven McCraw, DPS director, had to say about Move Over/Slow Down in an issued statement this week:

“Our Highway Patrol Troopers and other officers risk their lives every day for the people of Texas, and their safety is particularly vulnerable while working on the side of the road, where the slightest mistake by a passing motorist can end in tragedy. While our officers are serving and protecting Texans, we’re asking drivers to do their part by adhering to the law — simply move over or slow down.”

Here’s why the campaign is getting tedious, or more specifically, redundant: McCraw issued the exact same words in an agency news release published Jan. 31 — last year! We get it! In fact, he added another 88 words to that statement last year, and has been adding the same 88 words to the statement ever since.

That’s not to knock the value of the law, which is well intended and universally accepted among the states. Motorists should take every precaution to safeguard those who respond to roadside emergencies — police, fire, EMS, DOT vehicles and tow trucks — and the law says how: Move over to the next lane when you see the flashing lights by the side of the road or slow down to 20 mph under the speed limit if you can’t move over.

Penalties can be steep — up to $200 for a violation, $500 if there is property damage, possible jail time and a fine up to $2,000 if there is bodily injury when a motorists fails to obey the law.

The penalty is steeper still if a first-responder or emergency worker is seriously injured or killed — the motorist must live with the knowledge that he or she has taken the life of a brave public servant.

Move Over laws have been around for many years — since 2003 in Texas — though the additional Slow Down portion of the law is newer.

DPS reported in January 2018 that Troopers issued more than 10,650 warnings and citations in 2017. More than 41,000 warnings and citations were issued in 2018, DPS is reporting.

Most motorists caught violating the law say they were ignorant of it. But this is an age of constant, ubiquitous information — much of which is without much value. If motorists don’t know the Move Over, Slow Down law — which is valuable information — maybe they need the time to focus on what matters — the lives and safety of others.