National Move Over Day

AAA and other traffic safety partners are recognizing National Move Over Day on Saturday, October 17, to raise awareness of the dangers roadside workers face. AAA encourages drivers to follow slow down, move over laws to protect not only first responders and roadside workers displaying emergency lights, but also people in or near disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, warning signs or flares.  National Move Over Day aims to raise awareness and remind drivers to watch for roadside workers year-round, especially as the days grow shorter and darkness comes earlier. Recent crash analysis by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that more than 75% of all roadside deaths occur after dark. Move Over laws are in effect in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., requiring drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over for emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. also extend these protections to tow trucks and certain disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights or other warning devices. Violations can result in significant fines, and in Virginia, serious offenses may lead to reckless driving charges.

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 impairment-free. 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 multi-lane 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.