One-Third of U.S. Drivers Ignore Move-Over Laws

A new AAA Foundation study found about 64% of drivers slow down or move over for roadside incidents while 36% do neither, and two‑thirds of drivers who'd heard of “Slow Down, Move Over” laws cannot say what the laws require. In 2024, 46 emergency responders — including police, tow operators, EMS and safety workers — were struck and killed at the roadside, and five service providers have been killed this month alone. Compliance varies by vehicle type: drivers are more likely to move over for police (about 68% in Florida) than for tow trucks (roughly 58%), leaving tow operators particularly at risk. Every state has some version of the law, but wording, penalties and enforcement vary widely (from nominal fines to thousands of dollars), which weakens deterrence. Some states, like Colorado, are adopting clearer, stricter rules (for example, slowing at least 20 mph below the limit or moving over, misdemeanor penalties and tickets) and increasing enforcement, while AAA recommends standardized laws, stronger penalties, emotional public‑awareness campaigns and high‑visibility enforcement.