1 in 4 Adults Are Unfamiliar With Their State’s Move Over Law

Drivers may face a hefty fine if they don't comply with their state’s Move Over law

(August 11, 2023) - If you have ever been stranded on the side of the road with cars flying by at highway speeds, you understand the challenges roadside emergency workers face every day. But, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, most drivers who don't comply with Move Over laws don't realize how dangerous it is for individuals waiting or working at the side of the road.

Data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety originally released in 2021 provides the following perspectives on driver attitudes and ideas on Move Over laws:

• Of those who don’t comply with Move Over laws, 42 percent thought failure to move over was somewhat or not dangerous for roadside emergency workers.
• Almost a quarter of those surveyed (23 percent) are not aware of the Move Over law in the state in which they live.
• Among those aware of their state's Move Over laws, about 15 percent say they do not understand the potential consequences of breaking the law.

To protect those working or stranded at the side of the road, AAA Arizona encourages drivers to:

• Stay alert, avoid distractions and concentrate on the task of driving.
• Watch for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, public service vehicles, or disabled vehicles are on the side of the road.
• Slow down and, if possible, keep one lane away from people and their vehicles stranded on the side of the road.

About Slow Down, Move Over

Since 2007, AAA has been instrumental in passing Move Over laws in all states, including advocating for those laws to cover tow providers and other emergency responders. These laws require motorists to move over one lane or slow down when approaching an incident where tow providers, police, firefighters, or emergency medical service crews work at the roadside. In addition, many states have also expanded their laws to cover other vehicles, such as utility and municipal (e.g., sanitation vehicles) fleets and any disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

About the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded, 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation's mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research develops educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and other road users.