AAA highlights dangers for workers and stranded motorists on the roadside and the importance of complying with Oklahoma’s Move Over law.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oct. 16, 2025 – Roadside workers, including law enforcement officers, construction crews, utility workers, refuse collectors, and tow truck operators, risk their lives daily while working just feet from fast-moving traffic. Their roles are diverse, but their contributions are vital to the safety and functionality of our communities.
AAA Oklahoma and traffic safety partners around the state are recognizing National Move Over Day on October 18th to raise awareness of the dangers roadside workers face and to promote compliance with Oklahoma’s Move Over law.
National Move Over Day aims to raise awareness and remind drivers to be on the lookout for roadside workers year-round but especially as the days are shorter and darkness comes earlier. Recent traffic crash analysis by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that more than 75% of all roadside deaths occur after dark.
The Urgency Behind the Message
The dangers along the roadside are real, and the statistics are sobering:
- According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, 19 traffic incident management responders were killed due to roadside collisions across the United States this year.
- A towing technician loses his or her life every six days on America’s roadways, according to the Towing & Recovery Association of America.
“This is why we’re urging drivers to slow down, move over, and stay alert,” said Tom Wiedemann, CEO of AAA Club Alliance. “Our AAA emergency roadside service providers are committed to rescuing stranded motorists. We need all drivers to be equally committed to protecting them.”
Understanding Oklahoma’s Move Over Law
Move Over laws exist in all 50 states. AAA and other traffic safety advocates have been instrumental in the passage of laws to better protect tow truck drivers, road construction workers, and first responders.
The Oklahoma Move Over law requires any driver approaching all stationary vehicles displaying flashing lights, even motorists with hazard lights, to move into a lane that is not adjacent to the vehicle. If no additional lane exists, motorists should proceed with “due caution” and slow to “a safe speed for the existing road, weather, and traffic conditions.” The law also includes any parked maintenance, law enforcement or emergency vehicles. Violation of this law may result in a fine from law enforcement in the amount of $1,000 for a first offense and $2,500 for a second offense.
Safety Recommendations for Drivers
To help protect roadside workers, drivers with disabled vehicles, and to improve highway safety, AAA offers these precautionary tips:
- Stay alert, avoid distractions, and focus completely on the task of driving.
- Watch for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles, and disabled vehicles on the roadside.
- Slow down and, if possible, move over when approaching these situations.
“As driving is a shared responsibility, we all play a role in keeping roadside workers, as well as fellow drivers dealing with a broken-down vehicle, safe,” said Shawn Steward, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Oklahoma. “By paying attention, slowing down, and moving over, we reduce the risk for those working or stranded just feet away from traffic.”
About AAA
AAA provides automotive, travel, and insurance services to more than 65.2 million members nationwide and more than 450,000 members in Oklahoma. AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. AAA is a non-stock, membership corporation working on behalf of motorists, who can map a route, find local gas prices and electric vehicle charging stations, discover discounts, book a hotel, and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app (AAA.com/mobile) for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information on joining or renewing a Membership, visit www.AAA.com.
Get Local News!
