It’s National Work Zone Awareness Week! Post-winter construction is in full swing on area roadways, and traffic is picking up as travelers head out for Easter road trips. This is the perfect time to remind the public about the Slow Down, Move Over law - a law that is essential to protecting those working on the side of the road.

While the law is designed to save lives and protect law enforcement, emergency responders, tow truck drivers, construction workers and more, 400 roadside workers are killed each year across the country from drivers failing to slow down or move over—and 70 percent of people don’t even know about the law.

On April 12, AAA Western and Central New York will join various New York State agencies to raise awareness of the Slow Down, Move Over law, as this week is National Work Zone Awareness Week. AAA will also discuss summer travel, gas prices and safety tips for road trips.

When:         Friday, April 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Media interviews from 10 a.m. to Noon or by appointment)
Where:       The Thruway Authority will be at various rest stops across the state. AAA will have representatives at Clarence & Warners Travel Plazas  
Who:          AAA Western and Central New York, NYS Thruway Authority, NYS Department of Transportation, New York State Police

What:        AAA will discuss travel, traffic safety, and gas prices, along with the Slow Down, Move Over Law. State officials will also discuss recent incidents and safety                       tips for motorists.

Why:     The Slow Down, Move Over law was enacted in 2011, yet many drivers do not abide by it and it has deadly consequences. 

• As soon as you see lights, vests or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and safely MOVE OVER.
• Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles and tow trucks.
• The Move Over Law applies to both sides of the roadway, not just the shoulder on the right.