A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has highlighted that 90 percent of drivers state they move over, slow down, or both when they pass a disabled vehicle, tow truck, or a police car on the hard shoulder during a roadside stop. But is that data correct?
The data comes after it was revealed that from 2019 to 2023, more than 2,100 people were struck and killed while stranded or working beside U.S. roads. In 2025 alone, there were 15 roadside service providers killed in incidents related to slow-down and move-over laws.
Of those, six of them involved hit-and-run drivers, while five of them involved impaired drivers. Yet the data contradicts an earlier AAA FTS study that reveals less than 70 percent of drivers actually follow those laws, while nearly 40 percent actually chose to either not slow down or not move over in these instances.
It is an alarming study, and it potentially suggests that many of those involved in the recent AAA FTS survey were not exactly telling the truth. Yet it isn’t purely opposition to the laws that seems to be the problem. Instead, it seems to be awareness among drivers that is causing the issues.
The Earlier Study Presented a Different Picture
In earlier AAA FTS research, only 64 percent of vehicles were observed obeying the laws regarding changing lanes or reducing speed. A staggering 36 percent did neither of those and simply ignored the laws. It transpired that drivers were not aware of the laws requiring them to slow down or change lanes, something that does seem quite unbelievable.
The AAA FTS survey then explained the laws to drivers. Following this, 90 percent of them supported the rules, and only two percent actually opposed them. But of the 90 percent, only 60 percent actually believed their state’s law required them to slow down or change lanes when approaching a stopped police car. But the slow-down, move-over laws exist in all 50 American states, even if the specific requirements for each vary.
Authorities reported that the laws are supposed to prevent injuries and deaths involving any emergency and utility worker stopped by the roadside. Each state specifies different things, but drivers by and large are required to either slow down, move over, or do both.
Violations of either of these laws can result in massive fines, and if a driver is driving recklessly with a worker at the roadside, serious injury and death can often occur. Hence the large number of deaths that took place from 2019 to 2023 due to people not following the laws.
Every Roadside Stop Is a Danger Zone
AAA President and CEO Gene Boehm stated that it is an incredibly dangerous situation for any roadside worker.
“Every roadside stop is a danger zone. The simple decision to slow down and move over saves lives. We all have a responsibility to keep Roadside Heroes safe as they rescue people,” he said.
Slowing down can make a massive difference and allow workers to do whatever they need to do without fearing they will be struck by a car.
“Many drivers know slowing down or moving over is the right thing to do. But awareness is not enough,” said AAA FTS President and Executive Director Dr. David Yang. “When drivers encounter a vehicle stopped along the roadside, they need to respond right away — because failing to slow down or move over can turn a standard stop into a preventable tragedy,” he added.
The message? Be aware of the laws, and make sure you slow down and do not endanger yourself and those working at the roadside.