Slow Down, Move Over

Each year, more than 30 million calls for help come from AAA members like you. AAA Roadside Assistance technicians respond to every call, in many cases working on busy roads with shoulders no wider than 4 feet. Sadly, an average of two roadside service providers are killed each month while tending to disabled vehicles along America’s roadways. Many more are injured by a motorist who is impaired, distracted, unaware or unwilling to slow down and move over.

Since 2007 AAA has worked to pass “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, which require drivers to reduce their speed and switch lanes to give roadside responders safe clearance. The laws – versions of which exist in all 50 states – are simple. Whenever approaching an incident where police, firefighters, emergency medical service crews or tow operators are working, drivers should exercise caution, slow down and move over.

AAA has worked on educational and advocacy initiatives, creating public service announcements and reaching out to state legislative officials. But there is more work to be done. We are committed to raising awareness of the “Slow Down, Move Over” law and the dangers associated with working at the roadside.

To protect roadside workers, AAA offers these tips:

• Stay alert. Avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
• Watch for emergency or utility service vehicles, tow trucks or disabled vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
• Slow down when approaching emergency vehicles with flashing lights stopped on the side of a two-lane roadway, unless otherwise directed by an emergency worker.
• On multi-lane roadways, slow down when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle at the roadside and, if possible, move over into an adjacent lane. If you are unable to switch lanes, slow down to a speed that is safe and reasonable.

Everyone deserves to get home safely. When you see flashing lights, slow down and move over.

For more information, visit AAA.com/SlowDown.