Slow Down, Move Over

Help Save Lives

Slow Down, Move Over (SDMO) laws require motorists approaching emergency responders, tow operators and utility crews working at the roadside to move over to an adjacent lane when safe to do so, or to significantly reduce speed if a lane change isn’t possible. Both measures aim to protect roadside workers and the people they’re serving so they can make it home safely.

Since 2007, AAA has led the charge to get Move Over laws passed across the country by advocating for their expansion to cover all stopped vehicles, producing public service announcements and working directly with state legislators. 

While these laws now exist in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, specific requirements for speed reduction and protected vehicle types vary by jurisdiction. Always check your local guidelines to make sure you’re following the Move Over law in your area. 

Follow these tips to protect those working or stranded at the roadside:

• Stay alert while driving and ditch the phone, snacks or anything else that pulls your eyes away from the wheel.
• Do not drive impaired.
• Scan the road for flashing lights or hazard signals that indicate a vehicle is stopped ahead.
• Change lanes immediately when you see a roadside responder, provided it’s safe to move over.
• Reduce speed significantly if traffic or road conditions prevent you from moving over.
• Give workers plenty of space as they often step into traffic or move between vehicles while working a scene.
• Be a proactive passenger and call out hazards or flashing lights to help the driver react in time.

Slow Down, Move Over - By the Numbers

Despite Move Over laws being active in every state, AAA’s work is far from over. Every year, roadside workers and first responders are injured or killed while helping disabled vehicles — tragedies that are entirely preventable.

According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, at least 36 responders lost their lives in 2025 after being struck by vehicles while working on the nation’s roadways.

A study from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) reveals how often these laws are overlooked:

• 36% of drivers fail to either slow down or move over when passing roadside incidents.
• Drivers are significantly less likely to move over for tow trucks (58%) than they are for police vehicles (66%).

These statistics represent more than just numbers; they represent lives that could have been saved by a simple lane change. AAA is advocating for stronger, more consistent laws that eliminate driver confusion and make the roads safer for every responder.

For additional information, media resources, and the latest updates on AAA’s roadside safety efforts, reporters can visit the AAA Newsroom or contact their local AAA Club.