Newly released AAA research indicates some drivers may not fully grasp the danger they pose to roadside workers.
The AAA research shows an average of 24 emergency responders (one every other week), including tow providers, are struck and killed by vehicles while working at the roadside each year. As of August 2021, 14 tow providers had lost their lives while helping others at the roadside, despite Move Over laws being in place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
South Dakota’s Move Over law requires motorists to:
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Stop when coming from any direction and approaching any stopped vehicle using RED flashing signals/lights. flashing signals/lights.
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Move over and slow down when passing any vehicle displaying AMBER/YELLOW yellow flashing signals/lights.
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Motorists on Interstates or highways with two or more lanes traveling in the same direction as the stopped vehicle must merge into the lane farthest from the stopped vehicle and proceed with caution, unless otherwise directed.
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On two-lane highways, motorists must proceed with caution and slow to a speed that is at least 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit, or slow to 5 miles per hour when the speed limit is posted at 20 miles per hour, unless otherwise directed.
The move over requirement not only includes law enforcement vehicles, emergency response vehicles such as fire trucks and ambulances, service vehicles (tow trucks, etc.), but also motorists experiencing mechanical trouble. A violation of this law that involves a crash with an emergency vehicles is a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of $275 and/or 60 days in jail.
A new AAA poll of South Dakota drivers* indicates a lack of understanding or awareness around the state’s Move Over law. 100% of South Dakota drivers surveyed that it is ‘very dangerous’ or ‘somewhat dangerous’ for roadside workers if motorists do not comply with the Move Over law. 96% of South Dakota motorists said they would support such a measure and 26% answered ‘unsure’ or thought there was ‘no’ Move Over law.
Previous AAA Foundation research has found that drivers are up to four times as likely to crash if they are talking on a cell phone while driving and up to eight times as likely to be in a crash if texting.
New data from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that among drivers who do not comply with Move Over laws at all times:
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42% thought this behavior was somewhat or not dangerous at all to roadside emergency workers.
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Nearly a quarter of those surveyed (23%) are unaware of the Move Over law in the state where they live, and
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Among those who are aware of their state’s Move Over laws, about 15% report not understanding the potential consequences for violating the Move Over law.
(*AAA Poll of South Dakota Drivers: AAA surveyed 1,014 South Dakota drivers between Aug 18-19, 2021. The poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling of Raleigh, NC and has a margin of error of +/- 3.1%.*)
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