AAA Study: Confusion over “move over” laws put first responders at risk

Posted: Oct 28, 2025 / 10:37 AM EDT

Updated: Oct 28, 2025 / 10:37 AM EDT

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — According to AAA, 46 emergency responders were killed after being hit by cars when helping others on the side of the road.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) said those emergency responders were police officers, EMTs and tow truck operators. Although “Slow Down, Move Over” (SDMO) laws were created to prevent these deaths, a study by AAAFTS showed confusion about the law is leaving first responders at risk.

“For more than 20 years, AAA has championed ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ laws in every state, yet we are still losing far too many roadside heroes in the line of duty,” said Gene Boehm, president and CEO of AAA National. “It’s clear that awareness alone isn’t enough. Drivers need to understand what these laws require and why they matter.”

The study also showed many drivers don’t fully understand what the new law requires. In an AAAFTS survey, two-thirds of drivers said they’ve heard of SDMO laws but couldn’t say what the law entails.

In Virginia, the law states that drivers must move over if there is room and slow down if there is not. Whether the stationary vehicle is displaying flashing red, blue or amber lights (to include personal disabled vehicles), drivers must move over and if not, slow down.

When researchers reviewed real-world footage, they found only 64% of vehicles either slowed down or moved over. According to AAAFTS, the remaining 36% of drivers did neither.

The AAAFTS research also revealed the following trends:

Tow truck operators face the greatest risk. Only 58% of drivers witnessed in surveillance footage slowed down or moved over when a tow truck was stopped at the roadside.
Weak enforcement of the law reduces deterrence. Drivers perceive little risk of being ticketed, and penalties vary widely—from $30 in Florida to $2,500 in Virginia.

“Every responder working on the roadside deserves to make it home safely,” said AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research Jake Nelson. “We need clear, consistent laws, visible enforcement, and education that resonates with drivers. When everyone understands what ‘slow down, move over’ really means, we can make our roads safer for those who protect us every day.”

AAA is encouraging policymakers, enforcement agencies, and safety partners to strengthen and align their approaches to “Slow Down, Move Over” laws by committing to the following: