Although a vast majority of drivers say they obey their state’s laws about changing lanes or slowing down near roadway incidents, many aren’t fully aware of what those laws require, according to a new report.
All 50 states and the District of Columbia have regulations aimed at protecting emergency responders and stranded drivers from being struck by passing vehicles.
To explore driver experiences with “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety commissioned a survey of nearly 6,000 U.S. drivers. Respondents watched brief, computer-generated videos depicting traffic in the right lane of an interstate highway passing a disabled vehicle, tow truck or police car on the right shoulder. Next, they answered questions related to their own behaviors, knowledge of applicable laws and beliefs about appropriate driver actions.
More than 90% of drivers said they moved over or slowed down the last time they approached a disabled vehicle, tow truck or police car on the shoulder. However, the drivers were “much more likely” to report moving over than slowing down.
Only 66% of drivers understood that the laws apply to stopped police cars on the shoulder, and 58% knew the laws apply to tow trucks. All state laws carry these requirements.
“Survey results suggest that more effort should be invested in informing drivers of the specific types of vehicles to which the laws apply, and to reinforce the ‘slow down’ component of the law,” the researchers said. “The fact that most drivers believe drivers should slow down or move over is encouraging.”
