More Than 30% of Drivers Fail to Slow Down, Move Over for Roadside Workers

Slow Down, Move Over laws are designed to protect tow truck operators and other roadside workers. AAA urges motorists to reduce speed and move into an adjacent lane when safe to help prevent roadside tragedies.

More than 30% of drivers fail to slow down and move over when approaching flashing lights on the roadside, according to a new survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety released ahead of National Slow Down, Move Over Day on Oct. 17.

Although more than 90% of surveyed drivers said they moved over and/or slowed down when last passing a disabled vehicle, tow truck or police car, previous AAA research found that only 64% of motorists actually changed lanes or reduced speed.

In 2025, AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside service events near active traffic, and 16 roadside service providers were killed in related incidents. Six involved hit-and-run drivers, while five involved impaired motorists.

“Slowing down and moving over is not only the right thing to do, it is the law in Pennsylvania and it can save a life,” said Rob Finley, AAA Central Penn vice president of automotive.

The International Towing and Recovery Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, will honor fallen roadside professionals Oct. 17 during its annual Museum Weekend and Wall of the Fallen ceremony.