AAA Kansas is calling on drivers to use caution as the days get shorter and darkness falls earlier in the evening.

Drivers are being urged to “slow down, move over” in connection with National Move Over Day on October 21st.   They’re being urged to watch for first responders and disabled motorists at the roadside at all hours, but especially as the days grow shorter. The latest statistics indicate that more than 75% of all roadside deaths occur after dark.

A study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that almost 2,000 people were killed in roadside crashes over the five-year period from 2017-2021, and nearly 1,500 of those deaths occurred after dark.

There are “move over” laws in all 50 states and the Kansas law requires drivers to slow down and when possible, move over a lane, away from first responders, tow trucks, road maintenance, and utility vehicles at the roadside. Those who do not abide by the law are subject to a fine and court costs that can total $300 or more.

AAA Kansas will be leading efforts in the 2024 Kansas Legislature on a new bill (Senate Bill SB 142) that would enhance the ‘Move Over’ law to also include all stationary/disabled vehicles displaying hazard lights, flares or other warning signal. Across the nation, 19 states include stationary/disabled passenger vehicles in their Move Over law to protect individual motorists and passengers stranded along the road.

AAA has safety recommendations for drivers to remember:

• Remain alert, avoid distractions and focus on the task of driving.
• Keep an eye out for situations where emergency vehicles, tow trucks, utility service vehicles or disabled vehicles are stopped on the side of the road.
• When you see these situations, slow down and if possible, move one lane over and away from people and vehicles stopped at the side of the road.