Slow Down, Move Over: A 2020–2025 Progress Report on Protecting Roadside Responders

Introduction

Every day, police officers, firefighters, tow truck operators, and other roadside responders risk their lives assisting motorists on America's highways. Despite laws in every state mandating drivers to slow down and move over when approaching stopped emergency or service vehicles, compliance remains inconsistent. According to AAA, an average of 24 emergency responders, including tow truck drivers, are killed annually while working on the roadside. Hundreds of other individuals—stranded motorists, Good Samaritans, maintenance workers—also lose their lives in similar roadside incidents each year. NCSL

These alarming statistics have spurred legislative action across the United States to strengthen "Slow Down, Move Over" laws. This report delves into the progress made between 2020 and 2025, highlighting Texas's 2023 law enhancement and notable changes in other states. We also explore the pivotal role of advocacy groups like Southwest Tow Operators in championing stronger protections, featuring insights from lawmakers, first responders, and industry advocates.

The Dangers Faced by Roadside Responders

Roadside responders and stranded motorists operate perilously close to speeding vehicles, making them vulnerable to driver inattention or recklessness. In Texas alone, at least 25 first responders have been struck and killed on roadways since 2019.

One such tragedy was the death of Edward Hykel, a volunteer firefighter in West, Texas, who was hit by a tractor-trailer while responding to a vehicle fire in March 2023. Texas State Senator Tan Parker highlighted Hykel's death as a clear indication that more must be done to protect roadside workers.

Colton Adams, a volunteer firefighter from Centerville, Texas, nearly lost his life when a semi-truck plowed into an accident scene in 2022. He lost one of his legs, and a fellow responder was killed. Adams has since become a vocal advocate, testifying to lawmakers about the need for tougher Move Over laws, emphasizing that drivers' split-second decisions can mean life or death for those trying to help others.

These stories underscore the critical importance of "Move Over" laws in all 50 states, designed to create a safety buffer and reduce the risk of roadside tragedies.

Move Over Laws: A Brief Overview

"Slow Down, Move Over" laws require motorists to yield space and reduce speed when approaching certain vehicles stopped on or beside the road. While the exact requirements vary by state, the core principle remains: if you see flashing lights or roadside workers, change lanes away if possible, and always slow down.

All 50 states have had Move Over laws since 2012, initially focused on protecting traditional first responders. Over time, many states expanded coverage to include tow trucks, service and utility vehicles, and other highway workers operating with flashing amber lights.

Penalties for violating these laws have traditionally been modest traffic fines, often ranging from $100 to $500, with higher consequences if a violation results in property damage, injury, or death. However, as fatal incidents continued to rise—a 25% increase in deaths of people outside disabled vehicles since 2014—state lawmakers recognized the need for stronger measures and better public awareness.

Texas Takes Action: 2023 Enhancement of the Move Over Law

Texas has been at the forefront of strengthening Move Over laws. Originally enacted in 2003 to protect law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel, the law was updated over the years to cover tow trucks and Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) highway crews. In 2023, it was further expanded to include utility service vehicles.

Despite these expansions, compliance remained an issue, and enforcement penalties were seen as too lenient. In response, lawmakers advanced House Bill 898 (H.B. 898) in the spring of 2023, aiming to bolster the Move Over law's penalties and deterrence.

H.B. 898, signed into law in June 2023 and effective from September 1, 2023, imposes substantially tougher penalties on drivers who fail to slow down or move over for stopped emergency or roadside vehicles. A first-time offense is now a Class C misdemeanor with a fine between $500 and $1,250, significantly higher than the previous cap of $200. Repeat offenders within a 5-year period face fines up to $2,000.

Crucially, if a violator's actions cause a crash resulting in bodily injury, the offense is elevated to a Class A misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in jail and a steeper fine of up to $4,000. In the worst cases—if a driver has a prior Move Over conviction and subsequently causes a crash with serious injury—the act becomes a state jail felony.

The law also grants judges discretion to suspend a driver's license for up to 6 months for repeat offenders. Senator Parker emphasized that the goal is to send a clear message that ignoring this safety law will have serious consequences.

In addition to increasing penalties, Texas officials launched a "Be Safe. Drive Smart." awareness campaign to educate the public about the Move Over law. The campaign reminds drivers of their duty to move over for tow trucks, utility vehicles, emergency responders, and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the roadside. Texas Department of Transportation

Advocacy in Texas: Southwest Tow Operators and Survivor Voices

The successful push to enhance Texas's Move Over law was significantly influenced by persistent advocacy from towing industry leaders, first responder organizations, and survivors of roadside accidents. Southwest Tow Operators (STO), a Texas-based towing association founded in 2007, played a pivotal role in the H.B. 898 campaign. The association mobilized its members to support the bill, arranged for tow truck operators to testify at the Capitol, and publicly thanked Representative Stucky for championing the legislation.

Equally powerful were the voices of those personally affected by roadside tragedies. Widows, injured responders, and their families provided heart-wrenching testimony in support of the bill. Their stories underscored the urgent need for stronger protections and more stringent enforcement of Move Over laws.

The emotional pleas of survivors and the organized advocacy by groups like Southwest Tow Operators proved highly persuasive. The bill passed through both chambers of the Texas Legislature with broad support. While signing the bill, Governor Greg Abbott and lawmakers signaled that protecting roadside responders is a bipartisan priority in Texas. Midland Reporter-Telegram

Advocates consider the 2023 law a significant step forward but acknowledge that more work remains. They continue to push for further improvements, such as ensuring tickets can't be easily dismissed and increasing public awareness. The 2023 law, however, is a major leap forward, compelling Texas drivers to finally slow down and move over whenever they see flashing lights on the roadside.

Broader National Progress (2020–2025)

Texas is not alone in its efforts. Between 2020 and 2025, numerous states revisited and strengthened their Slow Down, Move Over statutes. The overall trend has been to broaden the scope of protection to all types of roadside situations and to stiffen penalties for violators.

In 2023 alone, at least eight states enacted Move Over upgrades. Many of these laws expanded the categories of vehicles covered, requiring drivers to move over or slow down for all disabled vehicles, not just official emergency vehicles. For instance, Florida passed a law adding road and bridge maintenance vehicles and any disabled vehicle to its Move Over law coverage. Colorado required drivers to move over for all vehicles displaying hazard lights, including public utility service trucks. NCSL

Penalties and enforcement provisions have also been a focus of reform. States have realized that a law on paper means little without credible enforcement and consequences. Several states have increased fines or even criminalized Move Over violations that result in injuries. For example, Illinois responded to a string of highway patrol and tow operator fatalities by toughening its Move Over statute, boosting the base fine and making violations