AAA KANSAS
Despite laws in all 50 states requiring drivers to slow down or move over for stopped emergency and service vehicles, roadside deaths among responders continue to rise, according to new data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.
The Emergency Responder Safety Institute reports that 46 police officers, firefighters, EMTs and tow truck operators were killed last year while assisting others on the roadside. AAA officials say that confusion about “Slow Down, Move Over” laws — and inconsistent enforcement — continue to endanger lives.
“For more than 20 years, AAA has championed ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ laws in every state, yet we are still losing far too many roadside heroes in the line of duty,” said Gene Boehm, president and CEO of AAA National. “It’s clear that awareness alone isn’t enough. Drivers need to understand what these laws require and why they matter.”
In a forthcoming national survey, AAA found that while two-thirds of drivers say they’ve heard of the laws, many couldn’t explain what they entail or whether their state has one. When researchers reviewed footage of drivers passing roadside incidents, only 64% slowed down or changed lanes. The remaining 36% did neither.
Tow truck operators face the greatest risk, the study found. Only 58% of drivers slowed down or moved over when tow trucks were present, compared to 66% when passing police vehicles.
“Slow Down, Move Over laws exist to protect roadside heroes, first responders, and the stranded motorists they serve,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “However, as these statistics demonstrate, drivers do not always follow the law — too often resulting in preventable tragedies.”
AAA is urging policymakers and law enforcement to strengthen and align “Slow Down, Move Over” laws nationwide. Recommendations include clarifying what “slow down” means, raising public awareness through emotionally resonant campaigns, and increasing enforcement visibility.
In Kansas, the state’s Move Over law requires motorists to reduce speed and, when safe, move over one lane for emergency responders, tow truck operators, road maintenance crews and other roadside workers.
During the 2025 legislative session, AAA Kansas successfully advocated for Senate Bill 8, expanding the law to include all stopped or disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights or warning signs such as cones or reflective triangles. Governor Laura Kelly signed the measure into law, effective July 1.
“Every responder working on the roadside deserves to make it home safely,” said AAA Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research Jake Nelson. “We need clear, consistent laws, visible enforcement, and education that resonates with drivers. When everyone understands what ‘slow down, move over’ really means, we can make our roads safer for those who protect us every day.”
For more information on Kansas’ Move Over law and AAA’s safety initiatives, visit AAA.com/SlowDownMoveOver.