Study shows 1 in 3 drivers ignore roadside safety laws (AAA)

“Slow Down, Move Over” rules exist in every state, but many drivers still ignore them — with deadly results. A new AAA study set out to understand why.

Background

In 2024, 46 emergency responders lost their lives while at the roadside, including law enforcement officers, tow truck operators, safety service patrol workers, firefighters and EMS personnel, and a road service technician. And, this month alone, five service providers have been struck and killed. These tragedies underscore the critical importance of “Slow Down, Move Over” laws that require drivers to slow down or move over when encountering a vehicle at the roadside.

Traffic's inherent dangers are why, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, towing is one of the deadliest professions — with a death rate 15 times more than that of every other private industry combined. On average, nearly 350 people across the country are struck and killed every year while outside a disabled vehicle.

All 50 states and the District of Columbia have a “Slow Down, Move Over” law to protect roadside workers and stranded motorists.

New AAA Study

Despite widespread adoption, a new AAA study reveals that compliance with “Slow Down, Move Over” statutes remains dangerously inconsistent.

Researchers reviewed real-world video of drivers passing incident scenes. While 64% of drivers changed lanes or slowed down when passing incident scenes, 36% did neither. Slowing down was especially rare, even in states with specific speed reduction requirements.

The study combined interviews with traffic safety officials, focus groups with drivers and analysis of over 12,000 vehicles captured on traffic cameras.

Key findings include:

• Tow truck operators face the greatest risk. Only 58% of drivers witnessed in surveillance footage slowed down or moved over when a tow truck was stopped at the roadside, compared to 66% who slowed down or moved over for police vehicles.
• Intentions don’t match actions. Most drivers say they comply with SDMO laws, but roadside video shows otherwise — especially when it comes to reducing speed.
  Weak enforcement reduces deterrence. Drivers perceive little risk of being ticketed, and penalties vary widely — from $30 in Florida to $2,500 in Virginia.

“We owe so much to the folks who keep Coloradans safe and keep Colorado moving by risking their lives at the roadside,” said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. “Every responder lost is a father, mother, son or daughter who didn't make it home. Slowing down and moving over isn't just the law: It's the only way to save these lives.”

In Colorado

Colorado law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when they encounter any disabled vehicle at the roadside with its hazards activated. Failure to move over or slow down for a disabled vehicle can result in a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, which carries a possible fine of $150 and a 3-point license violation. If a driver's failure to slow down or move over results in serious injury to or the death of another person, penalties can rise to a class 6 felony — carrying a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines up to $100,000.

Learn more about “Slow Down, Move Over” laws and read the full study here.