What to do if you encounter a serious traffic accident
A quiet drive turns into a life-or-death moment. Do you know what to do? Before you get started, here are some top tips.
In 2024, 46 emergency responders died while helping others on the side of the road in the United States, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Association.
These first responders were police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and tow truck drivers.
Slow, move laws were enacted to reduce these fatal crashes, but research by the American Automobile Association Foundation for Traffic Safety (AAAFTS) found that drivers are often confused about the laws and the practice is not widely followed due to poor enforcement.
According to AAAFTS, each state in the U.S. has laws regarding slow driving, but “many drivers do not understand what the laws require.”
In general, “slow and move” laws require drivers to slow down and/or move to an adjacent lane when passing an emergency vehicle or utility vehicle.
What is the “Moving Law”?
Each state’s laws vary slightly, but some versions of this law require drivers to change lanes that are not next to emergency vehicles or public service equipment. In Tennessee, for example, the law carries fines of up to $500 and 30 days in jail.
“The ‘Slow, Move’ law exists to protect our roadside heroes, first responders and stranded motorists,” AAFTS President and Executive Director David Yang said in a press release. “However, these statistics show that drivers do not always follow the law and too often cause preventable tragedies.”
According to the AAFTS national survey, two-thirds of drivers said they had heard of slow-moving laws, but “many were unsure whether their state had a law or what it meant.”
After examining real footage of drivers driving during an accident on the road, the study found that 64% of vehicles slowed down or moved to the side. However, 36% did not change their driving behavior.
“Lane changes are far more common than speeding, suggesting that many drivers are missing half of the law’s intent,” the release said.
Furthermore, the proportion of drivers who change their driving patterns varies by vehicle. 58% of drivers slowed down or moved when passing a tow truck driver, compared to 66% of drivers who slowed or moved when passing a police vehicle.
“All roadside responders have the right to return home safely,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s Director of Traffic Safety Advocacy and Research. “We need consistent and clear laws, visible enforcement, and education that resonates with drivers. When everyone understands what ‘slow down’ really means, we can make our roads safer for the people who protect us every day.”
AAA is urging policymakers and enforcement agencies to create guidelines similar to these laws, “so they are clearer, more consistent, and easier for drivers to follow.”
