As an addition to pulling over or away from emergency vehicles approaching from behind, Florida law also requires vehicles to move over a lane for certain emergency and service vehicles stopped on the side of the road, or slow down if they cannot safely move over.
In 2024, the state has expanded that to include disabled vehicles displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage. In short, whenever you see ANY travel vehicle on the shoulder or off to the side of a road, move over one lane if possible, or to 20 miles an hour below the speed limit, or 5 mph if the speed limit is 20 mph or below.
“AAA has advocated for a stronger move over law through our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign, and are glad to see it come to fruition,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The roadside is a dangerous place for anyone, whether it’s a first responder or a daily commuter. We hope this enhancement to the current law will save lives by reminding drivers to give extra space when passing anyone on the roadside.”
Per AAA's Bureau of Labor statistics., from 2016-2020, an average of nearly 350 people per year were struck and killed while outside a disabled vehicle on the roadside, and two emergency responders, including tow workers, are struck and killed every month by a driver who fails to obey the law by moving over to an adjacent lane and allowing the roadside rescuers the space to operate.
Roadside crashes are notably deadly for tow workers. Government data shows that tow operators are killed at a rate of almost 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to just three for all other industries.
The Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), Florida Police Chiefs Association (FPCA), Florida Sheriffs Association (FSA), and AAA are partnering to drive the new "Move Over" message across Florida. (Here is a look at the state law as of 2023.)
“The Move Over Law protects all of Florida’s citizens and visitors” said FHP Col. Gary Howze. “In addition to providing public service professionals the space they need to deliver critical services; it provides safety to our residents and their guests should they experience difficulties with their vehicle.”
“Moving over benefits everyone,” said FLHSMV Executive Director Dave Kerner. “Protect not only emergency, utility, and sanitation vehicles but also your family and loved ones by keeping your eyes on the road and moving over when you see a vehicle, including a disabled vehicle, on the side of the road. If you can’t move over, you should decrease your speed to 20 miles an hour and pass cautiously. Save a life and move over.”
Motorists who find themselves stranded on the side of a road and can't safely make it to the next exit or stopping point should:
Pull as far over on the shoulder safely possible to create more distance between the vehicle and passing traffic; turn hazard lights on so other drivers are aware of the distress;
Call or reach out for assistance (via phone, website or AAA app);
Remain with your vehicle as long as it’s safe to do so;
When exiting the vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit, and remain close to your vehicle. Try to avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.
Let's keep vehicle responders -- and each other -- safe in 2024!
