AAA Urges Drivers to ‘Slow Down, Move Over’, Away from First Responders, Disabled Vehicles.
As National ‘Move Over’ Day approaches this Saturday, Oct. 21st, AAA is underscoring the need for drivers to slow down and ‘move over,’ away from first responders and disabled motorists at the roadside at all hours, but especially as the days grow shorter. The latest statistics indicate that more than 75% of all roadside deaths occur after dark.
According to data* analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, almost 2,000 people were killed in roadside crashes over the five-year period from 2017-2021, and nearly 1,500 of those deaths occurred after dark.
“This is extremely troubling, especially with the darkest days of the year ahead,” said AAA spokesperson Rylie Fletcher. “The Move Over law is intended to ensure that first responders working at the roadside can provide emergency services to those in need without risk to themselves or those they are trying to help. We are asking everyone to adjust their driving behaviors accordingly.”
In Oklahoma, 25 people died in roadside crashes while outside a disabled vehicle between 2017 and 2021 – 14 of them occurring after dark.
Oklahoma’s ‘Move Over’ Law
Move Over laws exist in all 50 states.
Oklahoma’s Move Over law requires all motorists to slow down and when possible, move over a lane, away from first responders and/or disabled vehicles at the roadside.
Starting Nov. 1, failing to change lanes or reduce speed near emergency vehicles, licensed wreckers, or vehicles with flashing lights can lead to higher costing penalties for Oklahoma drivers. A first-time offense will carry a $1,000 fine, while subsequent violations will result in a higher $2,500 fine. If such an offense results in an injury to an emergency worker, fines of up to $5,000 may apply. In the tragic event of an emergency worker’s loss of life due to the offense, fines of up to $10,000 may be imposed.
Safety Recommendations for Drivers
- Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
- Keep an eye out for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
- When you see these situations, slow down and if possible, move one lane over and away from people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.
“The lives of our first responders and those they are trying to help, as well as individual drivers dealing with a flat tire or car breakdown is literally on your shoulders,” Fletcher added. “Please, slow down, move over and be especially cautious after dark.”
