AAA Rolls Out New Tech to Save Lives
Lights and in-car alerts aim to tackle a deadly problem
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. (October 13, 2025) - To combat the growing danger faced by roadside assistance technicians and stranded motorists, AAA Mountain West Group is making a major investment in safety technology. This includes flashing digital signs to grab driver attention, and a new digital alert system that warns motorists before they arrive at a roadside incident.
“Our team often works feet away from traffic moving at high speeds. While we have Move Over Laws in place, laws don’t always stop distracted drivers,” said Dan Hutchison, Executive Vice President, Road Service at AAA Mountain West Group. “This investment supports critical interventions that enforce driver awareness, which can be the difference between a near-miss and a tragic crash.”
Visible Warnings: Flashing ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ Signs
AAA tow trucks have always been a recognizable fixture on the road, but drivers will now see a lifesaving message on top of them. AAA Mountain West Group has begun installing Variable Message Signs on tow trucks across Northern California, Arizona, and Nevada. These signs display the phrase “Slow Down, Move Over” in large, flashing lettering designed to force immediate driver attention and action.
Data shows these signs work. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found motorists are 95% more likely to slow down and move over when these signs are in use. By the end of the year, AAA Mountain West Group will have over 100 trucks equipped with these flashing signs, with plans to expand the program in the future.
Digital Alerts: HAAS Alert System is a Game Changer
The Club has also adopted HAAS Alert technology, a digital early-warning system designed to prevent collisions by notifying drivers before they see roadside incidents.
How the HAAS Alert System works:
- A AAA service provider is dispatched to a Member’s location.
- A real-time, digital alert is immediately broadcast to nearby motorists.
- Drivers receive visual and audio warnings on their car’s infotainment systems and navigation apps, like Waze and Apple Maps, giving them extra time to slow down and move over.
“For years, we’ve relied on flashing lights on our trucks. Now, we’re adding flashing sign boards and integrating with the digital environment drivers are already using,” Hutchison said. “We want to use every available tool to ensure that our drivers and the AAA Members they are assisting get home safely.”
Strengthening Legislation to Protect Everyone on the Road
Beginning in 2007 AAA has championed Move Over laws, helping secure laws in all 50 states. This advocacy continues with the recent passage of California Assembly Bill 390 in July by Governor Gavin Newsom. The new law extends existing protections for first responders, highway workers, and roadside technicians to now cover all drivers and passengers stopped at the roadside.
As a leader in advocating for safe mobility, AAA recognizes National Slow Down, Mover Over Day on October 18 to remind the public of this simple, life-saving act.
About AAA Mountain West Group
AAA Mountain West Group is a membership and full-service leisure travel organization, proudly serving over 6.8 million Members across Alaska, Arizona, Nevada, Northern California, Montana, and Utah. AAA delivers unmatched expertise and value through roadside assistance and electric vehicle (EV) resources, along with comprehensive auto repair, travel, insurance, financial, and home security services. Powered by 5,300 dedicated Team Members, AAA is on a mission to revolutionize solutions that help our Members.