With National Slow Down, Move Over Day coming up Saturday, October 17, AAA is reminding Georgia motorists that failing to slow down or change lanes for vehicles stopped along the roadside can have deadly consequences.

New research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety shows that 36% of drivers fail to move over or slow down when required, despite the overwhelming majority claiming they follow the law.

According to AAA, more than 90% of drivers surveyed said they slowed down or moved over the last time they passed a disabled vehicle, tow truck or police vehicle stopped on the shoulder. However, previous observational research found that only 64% of drivers actually took those precautions when required.

The dangers are significant. AAA reports that more than 2,100 people were struck and killed while stranded or working along roadsides nationwide between 2019 and 2023.

In 2025 alone, AAA responded to more than 30 million roadside service events nationwide. During that year, 15 roadside service providers lost their lives in incidents involving failures to slow down or move over.

AAA spokeswoman Montrae Waiters says motorists often believe roadside dangers affect only police officers, firefighters and tow truck operators. However, she points out that anyone experiencing a flat tire, dead battery or mechanical breakdown can suddenly find themselves just feet away from moving traffic.

A recent AAA survey also found that 50% of Georgia drivers identified being struck by another vehicle as their greatest concern if their vehicle became disabled along the roadside.

Georgia’s Move Over Law

Georgia law requires drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility vehicles and highway maintenance vehicles displaying flashing lights to move over one lane when it is safe to do so.

If changing lanes is not possible, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop.

AAA is encouraging motorists traveling throughout Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia to remain especially alert when approaching flashing lights, hazard lights or vehicles stopped along the shoulder.

Drivers should reduce their speed, move over when possible, avoid distractions and watch carefully for people standing or working near the roadway.

AAA also recommends that motorists experiencing a breakdown move their vehicles as far away from traffic as possible, activate their hazard lights and avoid standing directly in front of or behind their vehicles.

Research from the AAA Foundation found that 63% of fatal crashes involving roadside assistance providers occurred after the striking vehicle had already left the roadway, emphasizing the dangers of distracted, impaired or fatigued driving.

With National Slow Down, Move Over Day approaching Saturday, AAA says the message is simple: Slow down, move over and stay alert. Taking those precautions could save the lives of emergency responders, roadside workers and fellow motorists.