Protect all drivers: AAA wants to expand Florida’s ‘Move Over’ laws

ORLANDO, Fla. — When it come comes to protecting all drivers on the road, AAA is calling for stricter laws to keep people safe on the side of the road.

AAA is launching its “Move Over for Me” campaign, in effort to broaden awareness and strengthen the Move Over law to protect all drivers on the roadside.

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“For years, Slow Down, Move Over efforts have focused on emergency responders, and it’s critical that we continue to protect these individuals who come to the aid of motorists,” said Scott VerBracken, vice president of Automotive Services for AAA. “But as motorists get flat tires, break down, run out of gas, or find themselves otherwise in trouble at the roadside, they also face the dangerous elements of high-speed traffic and need the same protection.”

Florida’s current Move Over law requires drivers to slow down and move over one lane for:

• Tow trucks
• Municipal vehicles
• Utility vehicles

It does not require drivers to take evasive action for disabled vehicles.

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While all 50 states have a Slow Down, Move Over law, according to a news release, nearly a quarter of all motorists still don’t know these laws exist.

The release states that nationwide, nearly 350 people are hit and killed outside a disabled vehicle each year. Florida had 112 deaths between 2016 and 2020. The only states with more fatalities were California (281) and Texas (268).

AAA found that between 2016 and 2020, drivers in Florida hit and killed 112 people outside disabled vehicles.

Only California and Texas recorded more deaths.

“Drivers can save lives if they make it a priority to move over for all vehicles on the roadside, regardless of whether it is a tow provider with flashing lights or a driver of a disabled vehicle with its hazard lights on,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA.

Despite the current law, the roadside remains a dangerous place to work. On average, one tow truck driver is killed at the roadside every other week, according to the news release.

Eight states have laws that cover disabled vehicles: Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.

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AAA offers tips to protect roadside workers and stranded motorists:

For drivers:

• Remain alert. Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
• Keep an eye out for emergency vehicles - including tow trucks - that have their lights on as well as cars that have their flashers on.
• Be a good passenger. Help identify roadway issues and remind the driver to slow down and move over.
• Watch for people on the roadside. People may be in or near a disabled vehicle.

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For stranded motorists:

• Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.
• Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are there.
• If you are able to safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
• Call for assistance via phone, website or the AAA Mobile app.
• Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so.
• If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain alert and close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.

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