AAA Supports Bill Advocating for Expansion of California’s Slow Down, Move Over Laws
AAA, roadside crash survivor urge lawmakers to support AB390, expand protections for drivers stopped on the side of highways and freeways.
SACRAMENTO (JUNE 16, 2025) - AAA Northern California, the Automobile Club of Southern California, Assembly member Lori Wilson and a survivor of a roadside collision are advocating for support of Assembly Bill 390, which expands California’s existing Slow Down, Move Over law. AB 390 would change the law to require drivers to slow down or vacate the lane closest to any vehicle stopped on the side of the road, if safe to do so. Currently, the law only applies to stopped emergency vehicles with lights flashing.
“For too long drivers in California have been put in a very dangerous situation every time their cars break down on the side of a freeway or highway,” said California Assembly Transportation Committee Chair Lori Wilson (D- Suisun City). “It’s time the law requires motorists passing by broken down vehicles to slow down and move over a lane, when possible, to avoid any collisions. This will help protect Californians from needlessly losing their lives while dealing with automobile issues.”
While Slow Down, Move Over laws exist in all 50 states, in some states, like California, the law applies only to stopped emergency vehicles and tow trucks with lights flashing. AAA Northern California, the Auto Club of Southern California and Assemblymember Lori Wilson are encouraging lawmakers to pass AB 390 and expand the law to include ALL stopped vehicles, including drivers experiencing mechanical issues or involved in a crash.
In 2007, while exchanging information following a rear-end collision, Heather Haenes was severely injured by another vehicle that hit her and the stopped vehicles on the side of the highway. Haenes, who was standing between the two parked vehicles, was crushed. The crash resulted in the double amputation of her legs by paramedics at the scene.
“We were outside our vehicles for 30 seconds, at most, when the crash happened. It was quick. I knew it was a horrible idea to be on the side of that highway,” said Heather Haenes. “I’m just very lucky that it was just limbs. Fortunately, there is a lot of adaptive equipment and professionals who have helped me in the years following the crash. But even to this day, seeing people on the side of the road, I hold my breath every time.”
Making The Case To Strengthen California’s Slow Down Move Over Law:
- Fatalities of people outside disabled vehicles, on average, increased by about 60 percent between 2013 and 2023.
- 72 truck drivers, delivery workers, motorists, and passengers were killed while standing outside of disabled vehicles in California in 2021.
- California has the 2nd highest total deaths outside disabled vehicles (behind Texas) between 2013 and 2023 and ranked 1st in 4 of those 10 years.
- From 2013 to 2023, California saw 500 deaths out of approximately 3,500 nationwide involving individuals outside disabled vehicles.
- The annual number of people killed outside disabled vehicles increased on average by 70% nationwide and nearly 60% in California since 2013.
- California ranked first nationally for deaths outside disabled vehicles in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2021.
- In 2022, over 1,200 individuals nationwide (221 in California) were killed due to drivers maneuvering too close or fast near parked cars, including road work vehicles or equipment, according to the Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC) at the University of California at Berkeley. In practice, most of these fatalities were drivers and passengers inside striking motor vehicles.
To protect those working or stranded at the roadside, AAA recommends that drivers do the following:
- Remain alert, avoid distractions, and focus on driving.
- Be aware of situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
- When approaching these incidents, slow down and if possible, move one lane over and away from the people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.
AB 390 has passed the Assembly Appropriations and is heading to the Senate Transportation Committee. AAA Northern California, Auto Club of Southern California, and Assembly member Lori Wilson urge lawmakers to pass this bill into law.
Interviews and B-Roll:
B-roll of event:
B-roll of related accidents:
Interview with Heather Haenes: