AAA officials warn of dangers of not moving over for first responders, disabled motorists

As a follow up to National Move Over Day, which was Oct. 19, AAA is reminding drivers to slow down and move over for first responders, emergency roadside workers and disabled motorists. As the days get shorter during fall and winter, AAA data shows that more than 75% of roadside deaths involving people outside disabled vehicles occur after dark.

Nearly 2,000 people died in roadside crashes outside of their vehicles between 2017 and 2021, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety data. Of those, nearly 1,500 fatalities happened after dark.

"With the darkest days of the year ahead, this is exceptionally troubling," said AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesperson Morgan Dean.

In Virginia, 30 people were killed outside of a vehicle in roadside crashes between 2017 and 2011, with 21 of those deaths occurring after dark. Four more victims died during the dawn/dusk period.

All 50 states have Move Over laws, yet compliance remains a concern. A survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 42% of drivers who don't always comply with Move Over laws don't fully grasp the danger it poses, while 23% were unaware of the specific Move Over laws in their state.

Virginia's Move Over law, updated in 2023, mandates that drivers slow down and, if possible, move over a lane for first responders, tow truck drivers, and disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, emergency flashers, flares, or emergency signs. Failure to comply could result in a traffic infraction with a fine up to $250. More serious penalties, including up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine, can be applied for failing to move over or proceeding with caution past emergency vehicles with activated lights.