The Hidden Crisis: Why 70% of Drivers Don’t Know the Law That Could Save Your Life on the Road

Every two weeks, a tow truck operator is killed on America’s highways. A tow provider is killed every other week, by our estimation, according to AAA’s latest safety data. Yet despite comprehensive “Slow Down, Move Over” laws existing in all 50 states, fewer than 30% of Americans know these laws that are specifically designed to protect roadside workers and emergency responders.

This alarming knowledge gap represents a critical safety crisis that affects every driver on the road—and it’s getting worse. The number of drivers who know they must slow down and move over for emergency vehicles dropped seven percent between 2017 and 2021, according to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation. For commercial drivers and fleet operators in Tennessee, understanding these laws isn’t just about compliance—it’s about bringing everyone home safely.

The Real Cost of Ignorance

The statistics paint a sobering picture of roadside safety in America. In 2021, 479 people were killed in crashes while outside of a disabled vehicle, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s more than one person killed every single day. The towing industry, which plays a crucial role in keeping our highways safe and traffic flowing, bears a disproportionate burden of this tragedy.

The towing industry has the highest fatality rate among all private industries in America, with 44 deaths per 100,000 workers—15 times more than the national average. These aren’t just statistics; they represent fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who went to work to help stranded motorists and never came home.

What Tennessee Drivers Need to Know

Tennessee’s Move Over law requires drivers to change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and other roadside workers when possible. If changing lanes isn’t safe, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution. The law applies to all emergency vehicles with flashing lights, including tow trucks with amber warning lights.

For commercial drivers operating in Hardin County and throughout Tennessee, this law is particularly important. The enhanced law requires you to move over for all motorists, including emergency responders, tow trucks, maintenance vehicles, and passenger vehicles. When you see flashing lights ahead, you have two options: move over at least one lane or slow down to a safe speed if changing lanes isn’t possible.

The Technology Gap in Awareness

While the towing industry embraces technological advances—including mobile apps, GPS, and platforms enabled with artificial intelligence—the fundamental challenge remains human behavior. Emergency responders, tow truck operators and stranded motorists are especially vulnerable when other drivers speed past without caution.

The disconnect between available safety technology and driver awareness creates a dangerous situation. Modern tow trucks are equipped with advanced warning systems, GPS tracking, and communication tools, yet they remain vulnerable to drivers who simply don’t know the law exists or choose to ignore it.

Local Impact in Savannah and Hardin County

For drivers in the Savannah, Tennessee area, understanding Move Over laws is crucial for both safety and legal compliance. When you need roadside assistance Savannah services, you’re not just calling for help—you’re depending on professionals who risk their lives to keep you safe and traffic moving.

C&C Diesel Service, which serves Hardin County with 24/7 roadside assistance and mobile repair services, sees firsthand the importance of driver awareness. Their technicians regularly work alongside busy highways, making emergency repairs and providing towing services to keep commercial fleets operational. Every service call represents a potential life-or-death situation that depends on other drivers’ knowledge and compliance with Move Over laws.

The Commercial Fleet Responsibility

Fleet operators and commercial drivers have a special responsibility to lead by example. Tow trucks play a crucial public safety role—clearing accidents, reducing traffic, and cutting emissions. In states like California, towing services partner with transportation agencies to offer free roadside help.

Commercial drivers who understand and follow Move Over laws help create safer conditions for everyone on the road. They also protect their companies from liability issues that could arise from Move Over law violations, which can result in significant fines and increased insurance costs.

Building a Culture of Safety

The solution to this crisis requires a multi-faceted approach. The Slow Down Move Over law is designed to protect tow truck operators, first responders, and roadside workers—yet many motorists remain unaware of its existence. Education campaigns, like the Racing to Save Lives initiative, are bringing awareness to the issue, but individual drivers and fleet operators must take responsibility for spreading the word.

Companies like C&C Diesel Service play a vital role in this education process. By prioritizing safety in their operations and educating their customers about Move Over laws, they help create a culture where roadside safety is everyone’s responsibility.

Taking Action Today

The path forward requires immediate action from every driver on the road. When you see a first responder or a fellow motorist stopped on the side of the road or in a lane, Slow Down. And, if the lane further away from that vehicle is open, Move Over. The law is simple, and it’s up to all of us to drive with care.

For commercial fleet operators, this means implementing comprehensive driver training programs that emphasize Move Over law compliance. It means regular safety meetings that discuss roadside hazards and the importance of protecting emergency responders and tow truck operators.

The crisis of Move Over law awareness won’t solve itself. Too many lives are lost every year due to preventable roadside incidents. But with increased awareness, better education, and a commitment to safety from every driver, we can work together to ensure that the professionals who keep our highways safe and our commerce moving can return home to their families each night.

Every time you see flashing lights ahead, remember that someone’s life depends on your next decision. Slow down, move over, and help save lives on America’s highways.