Colo. Law: Move Over & Slow Down

Grand Junction, Colo. (Sept. 4, 2024) – In the wake of today's tragedy at the roadside in Mesa County, just days after the conclusion of the Western Colorado Transportation Safety Symposium in Grand Junction, AAA urges drivers to abide by Colorado's robust "Slow Down, Move Over" statutes to save lives.

Colorado law requires drivers to move over a lane or slow down at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit when they encounter any disabled vehicle at the roadside with its hazards activated - and CDOT road crews are specially and expressly protected. 

Failure to move over or slow down for a disabled vehicle can result in a Class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense, which carries a possible fine of $150 and a 3-point license violation. If a driver's failure to slow down or move over results in serious injury to or the death of another person, penalties can rise to a class 6 felony - carrying a prison sentence of up to 18 months and fines up to $100,000.

Traffic's inherent dangers are why, according to research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, work at the roadside is one of country's deadliest professions - with a death rate 15 times more than that of every other private industry combined. On average, nearly 350 people across the country are struck and killed every year while outside a disabled vehicle. 

AAA successfully brought legislation to strengthen Colorado's Slow Down, Move Over laws in 2017, 2019, and 2023. 

Despite the existence of a Move Over law in all states, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that nearly a quarter of people (23%) are unaware of the law in the state where they live - even though 51% of Coloradans, for example, report having been stuck in a disabled vehicle on the side of the road.

"Anybody who's ever suffered a breakdown at the roadside will tell you just how scary it can be waiting for help as traffic whips by at highway speeds just inches away," said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. "Now imagine if that was your daily workplace. Coloradans have a responsibility to look out for the people who keep us safe and keep our roads moving. Slow down and move over - it's always the right thing to do, and it's the law, too." 

AAA's tips to protect roadside workers and stranded motorists

For Drivers:

• Remain alert. Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
   
• Emergencies can occur anywhere on the road. When you see flashing lights of any color, slow down and prepare well in advance to change lanes. Allow others to merge into your lane when necessary.
   
• If you are unable to move at least one lane away from the stationary vehicle, you must slow down to at least 25 miles per hour on roadways with a speed limit below 45 miles per hour. On roadways with speed limits 45 miles per hour or more, you must slow down to 20 miles per hour less than the speed limit.
   
• Give yourself extra space when following semi-trucks or large vehicles. If a truck moves into a left-hand lane, don't speed around the right side. They are changing lanes for a reason. Be prepared to change lanes yourself. 
   
• When road conditions are slick, don't make sudden lane changes that can cause an uncontrollable skid. Change lanes early and move over gradually.
   
• Be a good passenger. Help identify roadway issues and remind the driver to slow down and move over.
   
• Watch for people on the roadside. People may be in or near a disabled vehicle. Just because you don't immediately see them doesn't mean they aren't there.

For Stranded Motorists:

• Pull as far over on the shoulder as safely possible to create more distance between your vehicle and passing traffic.
   
• Turn your hazard lights on so other drivers are aware you are there.
   
• If you are able to safely make it to the next exit or stopping point, do so.
   
• Call for assistance via phone, website or the AAA Mobile app.
   
• Remain with your vehicle as long as it's safe to do so.
   
• If getting out of your vehicle, watch the oncoming traffic for a good time to exit and remain alert and close to your vehicle. Avoid turning your back to traffic whenever possible.