Only 64% of drivers follow 'Move Over' laws: AAA

Tomorrow is National Slow Down and Move Over Day, and 22 News reporter Nick Antonakis joins us live in studio now with what that means and the importance of staying safe. Julia, it's an important law that many people support, but that a lot less people actually follow. Take a listen. Saturday is National Slow Down Move Over Day, a day recognizing Massachusetts' law requiring drivers to slow down their speed and move over to another lane if possible in the event a car, truck or other emergency vehicle is in the breakdown lane. Slow Down Move Over Day is a chance to spread awareness about how important it is for drivers to be aware of those who do work on the side of our roads and take stock of what we all can do to help keep these people safe. The law is important to recognize as a recent AAA study reveals a dangerous gap between driver awareness and actual roadside behavior. AAA says while over 90% of drivers say they slowed down and moved over when necessary, real-world traffic video found that only 64% of vehicles actually changed lanes and or reduced their speed, while 36% did neither. What we're seeing is what people say and what they support, because people are widely supportive of slowdown and moveover laws, doesn't match the actual behavior that is happening at the roadside. When a driver doesn't take the time to slow down, move over, and be alert while on the road, people get killed. From 2019 to 2023, more than 2,100 people were struck and killed while stranded or working on the roadside. For AAA, it's about bringing awareness to the law and hopefully closing the gap between supporters of the law and people who actually practice it. Imagine if it was your brother, your sister, your child, your parent, your friend doing work on the roadside. Wouldn't you want someone to slow down as they're approaching them and give them some space so that they can be more safe? Now, of course, on any day, but especially on a rainy day like today, you want to make sure you're slowing down and moving over. Working for you, Nick Antonakis, 22 News.