Roadside Safety Laws Need Better Driver Awareness
Drivers must move over or slow down for all stopped vehicles to prevent dangerous crashes on the shoulder.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Car Types
Live Poll
Do you always slow down or change lanes for vehicles stopped on the shoulder?
A new AAA study reveals that 36% of drivers fail to move over or slow down for vehicles stopped on road shoulders. This behavior contributes to a significant safety crisis, as more than 2,100 people were killed in roadside crashes between 2019 and 2023.
Why it matters
Roadside safety remains a critical issue because many drivers incorrectly assume move-over laws only apply to emergency vehicles, when they protect anyone stranded on the side of the road. This misunderstanding puts families and roadside workers at constant risk during routine vehicle stops.
While 90% of drivers claim they slow down or move over, actual observational data confirms only 64% do so, leaving a dangerous gap in compliance. Tragically, these lapses led to the deaths of 15 AAA roadside service providers in 2025 alone.
The players
AAA
A federation of motor clubs providing emergency roadside assistance and advocating for national traffic safety standards.
The details
Move-over laws in all 50 states require drivers to either change lanes or significantly reduce speed when approaching a vehicle with hazard lights active. Many drivers fail to realize that this mandate includes passenger vehicles, not just police, fire, or ambulance units. Following these rules creates a critical safety buffer for anyone stuck on the shoulder, potentially preventing the fatal collisions that claimed over 2,100 lives in recent years.
Timeline
2019-2023: More than 2,100 people were killed while stranded or working on road shoulders.
2025: 15 AAA roadside service providers were killed in crashes involving move-over law compliance.
October 2026: AAA released its latest report regarding national move-over law compliance.
The Home Front
Roadside safety policies now exist in every state to protect motorists and service workers alike. This study demonstrates that legislation alone has yet to close the gap between standard traffic safety mandates and the realities of daily driving behavior.
When your vehicle breaks down, always pull as far onto the shoulder as possible and turn on your hazard lights immediately. If you see a vehicle stopped on the side of the road, remember that the law requires you to move over or slow down regardless of whether it is a family car or emergency vehicle.
The takeaway
The most effective way to stay safe on the road is to treat every stopped vehicle as a potential hazard requiring a lane change or reduced speed. If you are ever stranded, prioritize staying inside your vehicle with your seatbelt on until professional help arrives.
Further reading
For more on vehicle safety and driver responsibilities, explore our Car Types section.
Live Poll
Do you always slow down or change lanes for vehicles stopped on the shoulder?
