A new law expanding New York’s Slow Down/Move Over requirement took effect recently.

The expansion includes disabled vehicles on the roadside requiring drivers to exercise caution when approaching them in an effort to protect motorists.

AAA supported legislation for the expanded law as research shows that drivers are at risk when their vehicle breaks down. From 2015 through 2021 nationwide, 2,474 pedestrians were struck and killed by moving automobiles while outside a disabled vehicle, including 48 in New York.

All 50 states have a form of the Slow Down Move Over law that requires drivers to slow down and change lanes, if safely possible, when they encounter a vehicle with flashing lights stopped at the roadside. New York’s law has existed since 2010 – it is expanding to cover disabled vehicles along with police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks and road construction/maintenance vehicles. This expanded law is now in effect in 22 states.

AAA has been a longtime supporter of education and advocacy efforts to protect roadside workers. From 2015-21, 125 police officers, 123 tow truck operators and more than 250 highway workers across the nation were struck and killed by passing vehicles.