AAA roadside service technicians and tow providers rescue tens of millions of stranded members across the country every year. It cannot be overstated how dangerous it is to work in the towing industry. The numbers say it all - a tow provider is killed every other week, by our estimation. We also know that the data collection is nowhere near where it should be, and so for that reason, this number is likely higher.
Others are also at risk at the roadside - first responders, construction workers, individuals who mow the grass along the highway, and, of course, stranded motorists. The most recent crash data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration finds that in 2021 - 479 people were killed in crashes while outside of a disabled vehicle. That's more than one person killed every single day.
For more than 15 years AAA, along with other industry and safety stakeholders, has been instrumental in passing Move Over laws in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, including advocating for those laws to cover emergency responders and tow providers. Despite this law and numerous awareness campaigns, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that nearly a quarter of people (23%) are unaware of its existence in their state. And even more, they don't consider working at the roadside dangerous.
AAA offers the following safety tips for protecting roadside assistance workers and first responders:
- Stay alert and keep your focus on driving
- Avoid texting and all other phone-related distractions
- Do not try to multitask while driving
- Look ahead for disabled vehicles or roadside personnel so you can slow down and approach with caution
- Obey the speed limit
- Do your best to avoid driving in poor weather conditions
These simple tips show that the solution to improving roadside safety and saving lives isn't complicated. And remember, the next time you're driving and you see a stranded vehicle or person on the side of the road, slow down and if you can, move over one lane.