Today is National Move Over Day

Today, October 18th, is National Move Over Day – to remind you to slow down and move over when you see law enforcement, first responders, construction crews, utility workers, trash collectors and tow truck operators working along a roadway. While this is a good habit – it’s also the law in all 50 states.

Delaware’s Move Over Law was first enacted in 2007 to protect emergency workers on our roadways. The law has since been expanded to include law enforcement, EMS personnel, ambulances, firefighters, fire police, tow truck operators, park rangers and DelDOT personnel. And expanded again in 2023 requiring drivers to change lanes or reduce their speed when approaching a stationary vehicle displaying warning signals, hazard warning lights, road flares, traffic cones, caution signs or non-vehicular warning signs.

Violators face a fine and court costs.

Additional information from AAA:

In Delaware, nine people died in roadside crashes between 2017 and 2021.

The Urgency Behind the Message

The statistics are sobering:

• According to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute, 19 traffic incident management responders were killed due to roadside collisions across the United States this year.
• A towing technician loses his or her life every six days on America’s roadways, according to the Towing & Recovery Association of America.

AAA Safety Recommendations for Drivers

• Remain alert, limit distractions and focus on the task of driving.
• Keep an eye out for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
• When you see these situations, slow down and if possible, move one lane over and away from people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.