TowTimes.com - AAA: Florida’s Governor DeSantis Signs Expanded Slow Down, Move Over Bill

[TowTimes]

AAA – The Auto Club Group applauds Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for signing HB 425, which strengthens the state’s Move Over law. For years, Florida drivers have been lawfully required to slow down and move over for first responders on the roadside. With the expanded law, Florida becomes the 17th state requiring motorists to also move over for a broken-down vehicle on the roadside.

With the Governor’s signature, enforcement of HB 425 will begin on January 1, 2024. According to the bill, drivers would be required to move over for a disabled vehicle displaying either its hazard lights, emergency flares or emergency signage. Violators could be cited with a noncriminal moving violation and a fine of up to $158.

“AAA began advocating for a stronger law late last year with our ‘Move Over for Me’ campaign,” said Mark Jenkins, Public Relations Manager for AAA – The Auto Club Group. “We are extremely grateful that Florida lawmakers took this necessary action to enhance protection for all motorists, in addition to the first responders who come to their aid.”

Historically, the roadside has been a dangerous place for disabled motorists and emergency workers.

• From 2016-2020, an average of nearly 350 people per year were struck and killed while outside a disabled vehicle on the roadside.
• On average, two emergency responders, including tow workers, are struck and killed every month by a driver who fails to obey the law by moving over to an adjacent lane and allowing the roadside rescuers the space to operate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• Roadside crashes are notably deadly for tow workers. Government data shows that tow operators are killed at a rate of almost 43 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to just three for all other industries.

“These heroes put their lives on the line every time they rescue someone on the roadside,” said Jenkins. “We ask that drivers minimize distractions and constantly pay attention to the road ahead of you. Doing so could save lives.”

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