BACKGROUND 

Slow down move over (SDMO) laws, which have been enacted by all states, are a relatively new and potentially misunderstood measure to protect first responders (e.g., law enforcement, emergency medical staff, tow truck drivers), highway workers, and disabled motorists from dangers associated with being stopped along roadways. Many drivers are either unaware of or do not fully understand these laws. For example, it is not clear to many drivers what conditions warrant SDMO action, or what actions are required. Furthermore, differences between state laws and periodic changes to these laws may complicate driver understanding. 

There is a knowledge gap regarding best practices for educating, enforcing, and promoting consistent and effective driver response to SDMO laws. State highway safety offices (SHSOs) are looking for ways to address the knowledge gap in order to strengthen and support SDMO laws. Efforts are needed to better ensure drivers are aware of, and properly understand, what is expected of them under SDMO laws.  

OBJECTIVE 

The objective of this research is to develop a toolkit for identifying and adopting best practices for SDMO laws.

At a minimum, the research shall: 

• Assess current state SDMO laws and practices, and differences across states
• Propose model legislation to support consistency between state SDMO laws
• For types of crashes that could potentially be mitigated by compliance with SDMO laws, identify characteristics of drivers, vehicle types, and the roadway environments
• Identify evidence-based practices for enforcing SDMO laws and educating drivers to promote consistent and effective responses to these laws
• Develop a toolkit of practical strategies for SHSOs and other stakeholders to promote safe driving under conditions covered by SDMO laws 

STATUS: Research underway.