New AAA Foundation survey shows where drivers fall short on roadside safety

Drivers strongly support ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ laws, but roadside actions don’t always match awareness 

By AAA of Western and Central New York

Ahead of National Slow Down, Move Over Day this Saturday, a new survey from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (FTS) reveals a dangerous gap between driver awareness and roadside behavior. While more than 90% of drivers reported moving over and/or slowing down the last time they passed a disabled vehicle, tow truck or police car on the shoulder, previous AAA FTS research found that only 64% of vehicles subject to “Slow Down, Move Over” laws were observed changing lanes and/or reducing speed; 36% did neither.

Recent roadside fatalities show the deadly consequences when drivers fail to slow down, move over, and stay alert. From 2019-23, more than 2,100 people were struck and killed while stranded or working on the roadside. In 2025, AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside events near active traffic, and 15 service providers were killed in “Slow Down, Move Over”-related incidents. The danger is compounded by risky driving behaviors: six of those cases involved hit-and-run drivers, and five involved impaired drivers.

“Roadside workers, emergency responders and stranded motorists are members of our communities, and every driver has a role in protecting them,” said Marke Dickinson, president and CEO of AAA Western and Central New York. “In New York, the law requires drivers to move over for any stranded vehicle. By slowing down, moving over, and staying alert, drivers can help ensure every person makes it home safely to the people who are waiting for them.”

Additional survey findings

•Support is high. When “Slow Down, Move Over” laws were explained, 90% of drivers supported them, and only 2% opposed them.

•Awareness gaps remain. Only 66% of drivers believed their state law required special action near a stopped police car.

“Many drivers know slowing down or moving over is the right thing to do,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “But awareness is not enough. 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.”

Closing the gap

The findings point to the need for public education across multiple channels. Drivers were most likely to say they would learn about new traffic laws from road signs, but many recalled hearing about them from other sources. The data also suggests that drivers unfamiliar with “Slow Down, Move Over” laws may respond to different outreach methods, reinforcing the need for awareness campaigns, driver education, enforcement messaging, and community outreach.

Honoring those lost

This week in Chattanooga, Tennessee, families and colleagues will gather during the International Towing and Recovery Museum’s annual Museum Weekend to honor those lost at the Wall of the Fallen. Each name represents a life cut short – and a reminder that every driver’s choice to slow down, move over, and stay alert can help prevent another tragedy.

In New York, 48 people have been killed while working or stranded on the roadside from 2015 through 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These losses underscore why AAA Western and Central New York is urging drivers to slow down, move over when safe, and stay alert whenever they approach flashing lights, hazard lights, or any stopped vehicle on the roadside.

What drivers should do

AAA urges drivers to slow down early, move over when safe, and pass with extra caution whenever they approach flashing lights, hazard lights, or any stopped vehicle on the roadside. Additional recommendations include:

•Stay focused and drive sober. Keep your phone out of reach, watch the road ahead, and never drive impaired or drowsy.

•Slow down early. Ease off the accelerator as soon as you see flashing lights, hazard lights or a stopped vehicle, and be prepared to pass by with caution.

•Move over when it is safe. On multilane roads, change lanes to give emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles, service vehicles and disabled vehicles more room.

•If you cannot move over, slow down and pass with caution. Reduce your speed to a safe, reasonable pace and proceed carefully unless directed otherwise by emergency personnel. Most states recommend slowing to a speed that is 10 to 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.

In New York, “Move Over” laws apply to all stopped vehicles, including first responders, tow trucks, municipal, utility, and road maintenance vehicles. Drivers should know what their state law requires and take action whenever they approach flashing lights, hazard lights, or any stopped vehicle on the roadside. Check out each state's requirements.

“Safe roadside response begins before drivers reach the scene,” said Dr. William Van Tassel, senior driver training manager for AAA Inc. “Drivers should look ahead, move over when safe, slow down when they cannot, and pass carefully. Next time, it could be them stopped on the roadside.”

AAA’s commitment to roadside safety

For more than two decades, AAA has championed “Slow Down, Move Over” laws nationwide as part of its broader commitment to roadside safety. AAA continues to support clearer laws, stronger education, visible enforcement, and technology that helps protect roadside workers, emergency responders, and stranded motorists.

More about the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety: Established in 1947 by AAA, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is a nonprofit, publicly funded 501(c)(3) charitable research and educational organization. The AAA Foundation’s mission is to prevent traffic deaths and injuries by researching their causes and by educating the public about strategies to prevent crashes and reduce injuries when they do occur. This research informs the development of educational materials for drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists and other road users.

More about AAA: Founded in 1902 by automotive enthusiasts advocating for better roads and safer mobility, AAA has grown into one of North America’s largest and most trusted membership organizations. Guided by its mission to ”Save Lives, Create Member Value, and Deliver Exceptional Experiences,” AAA provides world-class roadside assistance, travel planning, exclusive discounts, and reliable financial and insurance services. Today, AAA enhances the life journey of more than 66 million members across North America, including over 58 million in the U.S. Learn more or become a member at AAA.com.

As upstate New York’s largest member services organization, AAA Western and Central New York provides more than 850,000 members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services. Since its founding in 1900, AAA WCNY has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. Visit AAA at www.AAA.com.