NICK GOSNELL
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas is reminding everyone to look out for and yield to roadside workers.
"There's still going to be emergency responders out there on the road helping people with broken down cars or whatever the situation is," Steward said. "We're urging drivers to just remember the Move Over law in Kansas and across the country. Move over a lane, if it is safe to do so. Definitely slow down whenever you see flashing lights of a tow truck, a police or a highway patrol vehicle. Just give those people some extra room to do their jobs."
This can save the lives of those on the road just trying to help others out.
"Often times, they are working just feet from speeding traffic," Steward said. "It's an unfortunate anniversary for our organization. There have been two AAA tow drivers struck and killed over the July 4th weekend in recent years. It hits home for us, for sure."
AAA Kansas, with support from other traffic safety organizations, will be introducing a bill during the 2024 Kansas legislative session to expand the Kansas ‘Move Over’ law to cover any disabled vehicle on the side of the road.
"We just want that to start being people's mindset as they are driving," Steward said. "If you see a work vehicle or a stranded motorist on the side of the road, just be courteous and safe and move over a lane and slow down."
On average, 24 emergency responders die each year while working at the roadside. That is one death every 14 days.
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