PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A new AAA study shows that while drivers are aware of “slow down, move over” laws, there is confusion about what they actually mean.
All 50 states have laws requiring drivers to move over a lane or slow down while approaching emergency vehicles on the shoulder. But according to a AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety study, drivers often don’t know what the law in each state requires.
“There are drivers out there who are moving over, but they don’t always slow down,” said AAA Mid-Atlantic public affairs manager Jana Tidwell.
The study found 64% of drivers moved over or slowed down, but 36% did neither. It also pointed out confusion over differing “move over” laws. For example, Pennsylvania requires drivers to slow down at least 20 mph under the speed limit. New Jersey only mandates a “reasonable” speed below the speed limit, and it applies not only to emergency responders but to tow trucks and disabled vehicles.
The study also found that focus group responses did not match video evidence.
“The motorists are saying yes, they understand what the law is and they are doing it. But the video footage is telling us otherwise,” said Tidwell.
In Pennsylvania, 10 roadside emergency responders were killed between 2020 and 2023.
AAA recommends more enforcement and urges that laws be standardized.