The current year has been daunting for AAA. Especially after two tow truck operators lost their lives recently while assisting drivers along the road. These incidents along with all the others is enough to indicate the seriousness of this problem. Roadside professionals are losing their lives or being seriously injured due to other’s negligence. This article highlights the importance of Move Over Laws and how they help protect tow truck operators while on the job.
Why’s It Important to Slow Down?
The number of tow operators being killed due to work-related injuries is on the rise. As of 2021, more than 14 have lost their lives while assisting other motorists on the road. It’s worth mentioning that it’s not only emergency responders and towing personnel whose lives are in danger. The latest survey from AAA shows that over 1,600 individuals have been killed while standing or working near the side of the road.
As a result, the government has Move Over Laws implemented to protect roadside assistance workers. This law says you must slow down and move over when passing a roadside assistance vehicle. A recent study indicates that 23% of drivers aren’t aware of the Move Over Laws, despite them being implemented in all 50 states. Furthermore, 42% of drivers who don’t comply with the law believe their actions weren’t at all dangerous to the roadside worker.
Experts continue to stress how deaths and injuries can be avoided if drivers would slow down and move over. Doing so would give these workers enough room to do their job safely.
What Are Move Over Laws?
As the name implies, Move Over Laws require motorists to move over one lane and slow down if they see police, tow providers, emergency medical crew, or firefighters approaching at the roadside.
Moreover, most states have expanded the Move Over Laws to cover disabled vehicles or utility vehicles on the side of the road. Since 2007, AAA has played a crucial role in passing and implementing Move Over Laws in the U.S.
They continue to support Move Over Laws to help tow providers, municipal vehicles, road maintenance crews, and other emergency responders stay safe while on the job.
Prevention Is Key
Increasing driver awareness and education involving Move Over Laws is the best place to start. Unfortunately, distracted driving plays a huge role in majority of roadside accidents. Here are some valuable tips that can protect roadside workers or drivers with damaged vehicles on the side of the road.
Drivers can prevent these incidents from happening by;
- Staying alert, avoiding distractions, and focusing on their driving
- Keeping an eye open for tow trucks, disabled vehicles, and emergency vehicles on the side of the road
- Slowing down and moving over when seeing disabled vehicles or emergency workers parked on the side of the road
Summing Up
All in all, the article elaborates on how important it is to obey Move Over Laws.
Source
https://www.automoblog.net/slow-down-move-over-aaa/
