From Our CEO

Educating and advocating for safety on our roadways has been a long-standing passion of the AAA Federation. However, when it comes to the welfare of our highway emergency workers and first responders, there is still work to be done. According to a recent AAA study, nearly a quarter of motorists are unaware of Slow Down, Move Over laws. Even more concerning, among those aware of these laws, almost half do not follow them. Drivers nationwide need to understand the importance of Slow Down, Move Over and the devastating consequences that take place far too often when these laws fail to be followed. 

AAA reports that an “average of 24 emergency responders including tow providers are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year – meaning someone in this line of work is killed, on average, every other week.” These highway heroes are out there regardless of the weather, rescuing stranded motorists. Unfortunately, what is already a dangerous profession is made even worse by failure to simply SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER.  

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety also noted the following among motorists: 

• 42% of drivers who do not comply with Move Over laws believe their behavior is not dangerous to roadside emergency workers. 

• 23% of motorists surveyed were unaware of Move Over laws in their state. 

• Among drivers aware of Move Over laws, 15% did not understand potential consequences of violating the law. 

The danger is not limited to just emergency personnel. Over the past seven years, more than 1,500 people have been struck and killed while standing outside a vehicle that was disabled. These accidents are senseless and avoidable by simply adhering to the Move Over traffic laws. 

Improving highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. We can all play a part in preventing devastating and fatal accidents. Understanding your state’s traffic laws and being alert for emergency vehicles is step one. Here are some other things you can do to help: 

• Never drive distracted and stay alert to traffic and road conditions. 

• Look ahead for any emergency vehicles, utility vehicles, tow trucks, or disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road. 

• If approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing on a two-lane roadway, slow down to a safe speed and approach with caution. AAA recommends a speed 10 to 20 mph slower than the posted speed limit. 

• On a multi-lane roadway, move over to an adjacent lane. If unable to safely move to an adjacent lane, slow down and approach with caution. 

Moving over or slowing down for emergency vehicles on the roadside is the safe thing to do in any state because it provides a needed safety cushion for those assisting stranded motorists. Doing so is not just the right thing to do — it’s the law! 

The next time you see flashing lights on the side of the road, stop and think about the men and women working along our roadways and the families waiting for them to return home safely at the end of every shift. Please protect them by choosing to Slow Down, Move Over.