BOISE, ID — Confusion about “Slow Down, Move Over” laws may be putting emergency responders at heightened risk on U.S. roadways, according to newly released research from AAA.

On average, an emergency responder is struck and killed every other week while assisting motorists along the roadside. In 2024 alone, 46 responders — including police, firefighters, EMTs, and tow truck operators — lost their lives in such incidents.

Every state requires drivers to reduce their speed below the posted limit and move over at least one lane when approaching stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights. But many motorists mistakenly believe it’s acceptable to do only one or the other.

“Both parts of ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ are important,” said AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Slowing down creates extra time and lowers impact speeds, and moving over reduces the odds of striking a worker.”

AAA’s findings show that while roughly two-thirds of drivers either slow down or move over when encountering emergency vehicles, 36% do neither. Confusion is especially common around tow trucks — only 58% of drivers adjust their speed or lane position for them.

“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.”

The research also indicates a disconnect between driver perception and behavior. Many respondents said they comply with the law, but traffic camera analysis suggests compliance is significantly lower than self-reported. Additionally, while 66% of drivers know these laws exist, many remain unclear about what they require — or whether their own state has one.

AAA is urging policymakers and law enforcement agencies to explore ways to clarify the law and improve compliance, including better documentation of roadside near-miss incidents.