AAA research shows roadside deaths surge after dark; Speed, impairment, and distraction also likely factors for many roadside crashes.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oct. 17, 2024 – With National Move Over Day occurring this Saturday, October 19th, AAA is underscoring the need for drivers to slow down and ‘move over,’ when approaching first responders, emergency roadside workers and motorists dealing with disabled vehicles at the roadside at all hours, but especially as the days grow shorter. Recent statistics indicate that more than 75% of all roadside deaths, where the victim was outside of a disabled vehicle, occurred after dark.
According to data* analyzed by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 2,000 people were killed outside of the vehicle, in roadside crashes over the five-year period from 2017-2021, and nearly 1,500 of those deaths occurred after dark.
“With the darkest days of the year ahead, this is exceptionally troubling,” said Shawn Steward, AAA Oklahoma spokesman. “Move Over laws are 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.”
‘Move Over’ Laws
Move Over laws exist in all 50 states. Despite the nationwide presence of Move Over laws, data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that among drivers who do not comply with Move Over laws at all times:
-
42% thought this behavior was somewhat or not dangerous at all to roadside emergency workers. This demonstrates that drivers may not realize how risky it is for those working or stranded along highways and roads closed to moving traffic.
-
Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) are unaware of the Move Over law in the state where they live.
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. Since Nov. 1, 2023, failing to change lanes or reduce speed near emergency vehicles, licensed tow trucks or vehicles with flashing lights will lead to a first-time offense fine of $1,000, while subsequent violations will result in a $2,500 fine. If a driver doesn’t move over or slow down and an emergency worker gets injured, the driver could pay up to $5,000 in fines. If the emergency worker dies, the fine could jump to $10,000.
AAA Study Examines Characteristics of Fatal Roadside Worker Crashes
A study released earlier this year by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reveals a disturbing picture of the dangers faced by those working on the side of the road, and the numbers may be getting worse.
AAA Foundation researchers combed through diverse information sources and uncovered 123 roadside assistance providers killed by passing vehicles between 2015 and 2021 – nearly four times more than reported.
This grim figure dwarfs the approximate 34 noted in national crash data. The discrepancy is due to a persistent failure of state crash report forms to capture that crash victims were roadside assistance providers and were instead often recorded as “pedestrians.” While yearly total traffic fatalities increased significantly over the study period, the data suggest that roadside assistance provider fatalities increased even more.
“This is a disturbing reality for roadside assistance providers, including tow truck drivers, mobile mechanics, emergency roadside technicians, and safety service patrols who put themselves at risk every day to help others,” AAA’s Steward said. “Many of these crashes can be avoided if drivers focus on driving and observe the law by slowing down and moving over when they see roadside assistance providers performing their duties.”
Key Findings:
AAA 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.
*SOURCE: Data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). Analysis by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Data from years 2016-2020 are considered final; 2021 data may be revised at a later date.
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!
