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AAA Study Finds Widespread Gaps in ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ Compliance, Endangering Roadside Responders

AAA seeks clearer, aligned rules with stronger enforcement to protect roadside crews.

Overview

  • The AAA Foundation’s review of roadside footage found only 64% of drivers slowed or moved over, with 36% doing neither and lane changes far outpacing speed reduction.
  • Tow truck operators faced the lowest observed compliance at 58%, compared with 66% when police vehicles were present.
  • The Emergency Responder Safety Institute recorded 46 emergency responders struck and killed last year while assisting at the roadside.
  • A national AAA survey found two-thirds of drivers have heard of these laws, yet many could not define requirements or say whether their state has one despite universal adoption.
  • AAA is pressing for clearer statutes, higher-visibility enforcement and technology-based alerts such as HAAS Alert, noting weak and inconsistent penalties that range from $30 in Florida to $2,500 in Virginia.