Today: "Slow Down, Move Over" Day

DENVER (Oct. 19, 2022) - Colorado Governor Jared Polis today proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 19 "Slow Down, Move Over Awareness Day" in the State of Colorado. 

The proclamation, made by possible by the Colorado State Patrol, aims to raise awareness of Colorado's "Slow Down, Move Over" laws. They require that motorists move over a lane or slow down when passing a stationary emergency vehicle, tow vehicle, or public utility vehicle working at, near, or in the roadway with its lights flashing.

It comes one day after AAA launched an extensive, statewide public education campaign asking motorists to slow down or move over whenever they see anybody working at or stranded at the roadside. Across the country, nearly 350 people are struck and killed every year while outside a disabled vehicle - including two people who last week lost their lives on I-25 in Douglas County. 

AAA also announced that it is pursuing additional Slow Down, Move Over protections for all motorists. The bill , which has secured bipartisan sponsorship, was approved by the interim Transportation Legislation Review Committee in September. It will go before the full Colorado General Assembly early next year. 

"Amid skyrocketing traffic fatalities here in Colorado, roadside rescuers and everyday Coloradans alike face unbelievable risks at the roadside," said Skyler McKinley, regional director of public affairs for AAA. "Saving a life is as simple as slowing down and moving over, and we applaud Gov. Polis and leaders from both parties in the legislature for getting that message out. Together, we'll pass important protections for everybody into Colorado law." 

Learn more about AAA's "Move Over for Me" campaign at AAA.com/SlowDownMoveOver.

State of Colorado Proclamation
WHEREAS, law enforcement officers, firefighters, public service utility workers, emergency medical personnel, road crews and tow operators conduct valuable and often life-saving operations at the roadside; and

WHEREAS, these on-scene personnel provide a critical public service; and
WHEREAS, they are called to duty at all hours of the day and night, in adverse weather conditions, and in a dangerous roadside environment; and

WHEREAS, across the country, 34 first responders who were working on the roadway have been struck and killed this year as of August 24, 2022, including 8 firefighters & EMS personnel, 12 law enforcement officers, 9 tow truck operators, 4 road service technicians, and 1 department of transportation personnel; and

WHEREAS, the towing industry is 15 times deadlier that all other private industries combined, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; and

WHEREAS, one death is too many; and

WHEREAS, the State of Colorado has a "Move-Over" law, strengthened from the tragic 2016 death of Colorado State Trooper Cody Donahue at the roadside, requiring drivers to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, a tow truck or a highway maintenance vehicle when their emergency lights are activated; and

WHEREAS, while all 50 states have "Slow Down, Move Over" laws, fewer than 30 percent of Americans know these laws, according to the National Highway Traffic Administration; and

WHEREAS, there is a need for Coloradans to be educated on the dangers of failing to abide by these laws, and practice safe driving behavior, extending the common courtesy of moving over for all disabled vehicles displaying flashing lights to protect all members of the public;

THEREFORE, I Jared Polis, Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 19, 2022, as SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER AWARENESS DAY in the State of Colorado.