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The American Automobile Association (AAA) reported that two tow providers recently died while they were assisting motorists at the side of the road. According to the AAA, this highlights "…just how dangerous it is for individuals who regularly work along the shoulders of America’s busy and congested roads.” As of August 2021, 14 tow providers have been tragically killed while assisting others at the side of the road. On average, a person who is assisting by the side of the road is tragically killed every other week.

"Deaths like these can be avoided if drivers slow down and move over to give these people room to work safely,” said Marshall Doney, AAA President, and CEO. “We can’t stress enough how important it is to pay attention so you have time to change lanes when you see AAA, an emergency responder, or simply anybody along the side of the road.”

The AAA Foundation for Safety found startling new data that among those drivers who do not always comply with Move Over laws:

• 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 close to moving traffic.
• Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) are unaware of the Move Over Law in the state where they live.
• Among those who are aware of their state’s Move Over Laws, about 15% report not understanding the potential consequences for violating the Move Over Law at all.

“If you see something, anything, on the shoulder ahead, slow down and move over,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety advocacy and research. “It could literally save someone’s life.”

Florida’s Move Over Law requires motorists to move over one lane for stopped law enforcement, emergency, sanitation, utility service vehicles, tow trucks, and wreckers when it is safe to do so. If a vehicle cannot move over, or it is on a two-lane road, it is to slow down to a speed that is 20 mph less than the posted speed limit. 

To protect roadside workers, drivers with disabled vehicles, and others, and to improve highway safety, AAA offers these precautionary tips:

• 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 the people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.

“If you or a loved one is injured in an accident because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you, and our Florida accident legal team is available 24/7,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board-Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.