Forty-six people responding to roadside emergencies died in 2024 while assisting motorists, a statistic highlighting the ongoing dangers faced by first responders and roadside workers despite “Gradual Down, Move Over” laws being in effect across the United States.
These laws, initially adopted by every state by 2012, originally provided protection only to emergency vehicles – fire, police, and ambulance. Over time, many states broadened the scope to include road crews, utility vehicles, and tow trucks. The most recent trend involves extending these protections to any motorist stranded on the shoulder of a highway.
A recent study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed a significant compliance gap. More than one-third of drivers fail to slow down or move over when encountering roadside workers. While two-thirds of drivers either changed lanes or reduced their speed, the study found that few did both. Notably, motorists were less likely to comply with the law for tow trucks compared to police vehicles.
AAA is advocating for standardized “Slow Down, Move Over” laws across all 50 states, recommending that legislation protect all types of vehicles and individuals stopped on the roadside. The organization also proposes integrating public education about these laws into driver’s education curricula and reaching older drivers through public service announcements, navigation apps, and roadway signage.
Increased enforcement is also a key component of AAA’s recommendations. The organization suggests a phased approach, beginning with raising public awareness of the existing laws, with the expectation that greater awareness will lead to improved compliance and, fewer deaths and injuries.
Jack Quillin, an award-winning photojournalist with NightsunTV, documents roadside incidents and emergency responses. His work is available through Shutterstock and various social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. Quillin’s portfolio highlights the risks faced by those working or stranded on roadways.
Currently, “Slow Down, Move Over” laws are in place in every U.S. State, requiring drivers to exercise caution when approaching stationary emergency vehicles and those assisting motorists. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant for stopped vehicles, reduce speed when approaching, and move over when safe to do so.
