Saturday: National Move Over Day

MINNEAPOLIS (Oct. 17, 2024) – This National Move Over Day, Saturday, Oct. 19, AAA reminds Minnesotans to move over or slow down when they see a disabled vehicle at the roadside. It’s the law, and it’s the right thing to do.

All 50 states, including Minnesota, have “Move Over” laws to protect first responders and law enforcement officers. In 2023, Minnesota strengthened its Move Over laws to include all vehicles with hazards flashing at the roadside.

“National Move Over Day is a great reminder for Minnesotans to be aware on the road and move to another lane to keep people safe, including families whose cars have stalled or a motorist who had to pull over due to weather or other conditions. It’s common sense and an easy way to keep Minnesota a safe place to live, work, and play,” said Brynna Knapp, spokesperson for AAA.

AAA has led the way in passing Move Over Laws in all states, including advocating for legislation to cover tow trucks, first responders, and all motorists in addition to law enforcement vehicles to help address the dangers of working at the roadside. According to AAA research, a tow truck driver is killed at the roadside every other week.

“While many states, like Minnesota, have adopted new laws to address safety and roadside fatalities, it’s up to motorists to keep an eye out for any vehicle with flashing lights and move over. Fundamentally, we’re talking about the golden rule: Slow down and move over to protect other Minnesotans, just as you’d want them to slow down and move over for you,” Knapp said.

Minnesota's Slow Down, Move Over Law requires: 

• When traveling on a road with two or more lanes, drivers must move over one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated — ambulance, fire, law enforcement, maintenance, construction vehicles and tow trucks.
• Drivers must speed if they are unable to safely move over a lane.
• As of July 1, 2023, drivers must slow down or move over when they encounter stalled or disabled vehicles with lights flashing - or at least one person is visibly present outside the vehicle.

AAA's tips to protect roadside workers, first responders, and stranded motorists 

For Drivers: 

• Remain alert. Avoid distractions and focus on driving.
• Keep an eye out for emergency vehicles - including tow trucks - that have their lights on as well as cars that have their flashers on. Move over one lane when you see them and if you can't move over, slow down to safely pass them.
• 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 can 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.