The American Automobile Association (AAA) is urging drivers to help protect the lives of tow truck operators and first responders, by launching the Slow Down, Move Over campaign.
The towing industry is 15 times deadlier than all other private industries combined — one tow operator is killed in the line of duty every other week in the United States, according to a AAA news release.
While all 50 states have Move Over Laws for emergency responders, which includes tow trucks, fewer than 30% of Americans know about these laws, according to the National Highway Safety Administration.
In Florida, the Move Over Law requires drivers to:
- Move over as soon as it is safe to do so for any authorized vehicles displaying visible signs while stopped on the roadside.
- Slow down to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching an emergency vehicle with lights flashing parked on the side of a two-lane road, and proceed with caution.
- Change lanes if you can, or reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit when you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle on the side of a multi-lane roadway.
- Slow down and maintain a safe speed while passing, if you are unable to move over due to road or weather conditions, or traffic congestion.
Failure to adhere to the Move Over Law can result in a $60 fine.
Drivers should Slow Down and Move Over for stopped vehicles, including tow trucks or wreckers; law enforcement; fire department; emergency medical service; Department of Transportation; and, utility and sanitation service.
For information on the laws, visit DrivingLaws.aaa.com.
Published February 05, 2020
