CEO Letter July-Aug 2017

Back in 2009, former New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine signed a bill into law which has come to be known as the “Slow Down, Move Over” law. The law states that motor vehicles approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle, tow truck, highway maintenance or emergency service vehicle and traveling in the same direction must move over to a non-adjacent lane if possible, or slow down.

Drivers convicted of violating the Move Over law face a fine of between $100 and $500.

While a fine will no doubt have an adverse effect on one’s bank account, the cost for violating the “Move Over” law can be much greater. To provide our members with the service they have come to expect, AAA employs a convoy of highly skilled fleet technicians. We also work with a network of carefully selected contractors to meet road service demands. These drivers are on the road 24 hours a day with a primary goal of assisting stranded motorists.

With AAA being on the road as much as we are, our reasons for supporting and promoting the “Move Over” law are obvious. We want to ensure that our employees arrive home safely to their families after their work day.

That harsh reality struck home a few weeks ago, when one of our drivers was involved in an accident while assisting a member on the side of the road. After seeing the aftermath of that accident, it’s a miracle that our tow-truck operator wasn’t injured worse than he was. However, it was the type of event that made the entire AAA South Jersey family pause and reflect on their job, their own safety and their driving habits.

On behalf of ALL safety personnel, such as police, fireman, emergency roadside providers, who risk their lives to insure the safety, security and peace of mind of the motorist, I implore you to obey this law and simply “Slow Down and Move Over”.

“Slow Down, Move Over” is more than just a law – it could save a life!