“Slow Down, Move Over” (SDMO) laws are in place in all 50 states and Washington, DC, to enhance the safety of emergency response and roadside service personnel. “Slow Down, Move Over Laws: Investigating Factors Influencing Drivers’ Behavior and Compliance,” a recent review by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, reveals significant inconsistencies in the language, enforcement, and public understanding of these laws. These discrepancies raise concerns about the laws’ effectiveness in keeping not only emergency responders safe but also tow truck operators, utility and maintenance crews, and occupants of stopped and disabled vehicles. Westat supported the Foundation’s research; Amy Benedick, Lindsay Hunker, and Doreen De Leonardis, PhD, were contributing authors of the report.
Analysis of traffic video footage in select states found that only about 2/3 of drivers followed SDMO laws when passing roadside incidents. Although 64% of vehicles subject to SDMO laws changed lanes, slowed down, or did both, 36% performed none of these actions. Drivers were more likely to move over than to reduce their speed. In states where the law specifies a required speed reduction, few drivers met that standard. Focus groups and interviews with interested parties revealed that drivers are often confused about which vehicles are protected by the law, find the legal language confusing, and view limited enforcement as a barrier to compliance with the law.
To address these challenges, the study proposes integrated recommendations spanning legislation, public education, and enforcement campaigns, aimed at enhancing driver awareness and improving compliance.
“By identifying gaps in current laws and pinpointing where driver understanding falls short, the study provides states with evidence-based recommendations to enhance protections for all road users, ultimately helping to prevent crashes and save lives,” notes Benedick.