“Together, Fleetworthy and HAAS Alert are strengthening roadside safety by both alerting the motoring public when commercial vehicles are stopped and notifying professional drivers of emergency responders ahead,” Fleetworthy said. “This bidirectional protection creates a connected safety ecosystem that links commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, and public agencies in real time to help prevent potentially catastrophic collisions.”

The upgraded integration connects HAAS Alert’s Safety Cloud platform with Fleetworthy Safety+. Trucks equipped with the system can now broadcast digital alerts when they are stopped in unsafe locations. Meanwhile, Drivewyze Free—now rebranded as Fleetworthy Foundations—provides in-cab alerts for approaching emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars, using Safety Cloud.

Protecting Stopped Commercial Trucks

Rear-end collisions with heavy trucks are especially dangerous due to the size and weight differences between commercial vehicles and passenger cars. Fleetworthy notes that roadside incidents remain some of the riskiest situations for drivers and first responders, particularly when visibility is limited or traffic conditions change quickly.

“When a truck equipped with Fleetworthy Safety+ stops on the shoulder of an interstate or major highway due to an inspection, mechanical issues, or other unplanned roadside events, Safety Cloud PROTECT automatically detects the vehicle,” Fleetworthy said. “It then sends real-time digital alerts to approaching motorists via their connected vehicle systems in select Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Chrysler, and Alfa Romeo models and through navigation apps such as Waze and Apple Maps.”

Extending Safety Beyond Line of Sight

Safety Cloud alerts are designed to reach drivers before they can even see a stopped truck. This includes drivers approaching around curves, over hills, or during low-visibility conditions, giving them crucial extra time to react and reduce the risk of high-speed rear-end crashes and secondary collisions.

“Fleet safety means protecting drivers not only while they’re moving, but during their most vulnerable roadside moments,” said Martin Murtland, vice president of product, Fleetworthy. “By deepening our integration with HAAS Alert, we’re extending digital protection beyond the cab and into the broader driving public, helping truckers reduce risk and proactively prevent severe crashes.”

Emergency Vehicle Alerts

Fleetworthy Foundations users now receive real-time alerts for stopped emergency vehicles, powered by Safety Cloud ALERT. When fire trucks, ambulances, or police vehicles activate their lights, Fleetworthy-enabled trucks are warned, allowing drivers to adjust speed or change lanes safely while complying with Move Over laws.

Currently, emergency vehicle alerts are live along interstate highways in roughly one-third of U.S. states, with plans for nationwide availability later this year.

“Digital alerting closes the gap between what drivers can see and what they need to know,” said Jeremy Agulnek, CPO, HAAS Alert. “By further integrating Safety Cloud ALERT and Safety Cloud PROTECT with Fleetworthy’s platform, we’re delivering real-time visibility that protects professional drivers, first responders, and the motoring public during some of the most dangerous roadside moments.”

Move Over Protections Expand

Fleetworthy Smart Roadways can extend alert coverage to additional roadside responders such as tow trucks, construction crews, utility vehicles, and roadside assistance personnel. This system helps commercial drivers stay aware of hazards and provides another layer of protection for vulnerable personnel.

“Together, Fleetworthy and HAAS Alert are reinforcing a shared commitment to modernizing roadway safety through connected, data-driven technology that protects drivers, responders, and the public,” Fleetworthy said.

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The shift comes as more motorists fail to move over or slow down for vehicles working on the side of the road. Truck drivers see this every day. Cars drift toward the shoulder while their drivers stare at screens or miss the flashing lights completely. That growing danger is exactly what pushed TA to reevaluate how it handles emergency repairs.

Earlier this month, TA announced that it would pause roadside assistance “to ensure our team members have the right tools, training, and processes in place to safely assist professional drivers on the road.” During that pause, the company continued offering help in places like lots, rest areas, and other safe pull-off locations.

The decision became permanent after a TA technician was struck and killed on Interstate 80 in Frelinghuysen Township, New Jersey, while helping a trucker. A passing commercial vehicle hit the technician on the shoulder during the repair call.

Following a full review, TA confirmed it will no longer send crews to the shoulder of highways or interstates. Repairs will only be handled in places where traffic is not speeding past within feet of workers.

“TA will continue to offer emergency repair assistance in safer, controlled environments, including truck stops, rest areas, and parking lots,” the company said. “By stopping work in high-speed and high-traffic environments, we are continuing to prioritize what matters most – the safety of our team members and our customers.”

In emails to customers, TA also pointed to distracted driving as a major factor in the change. The company emphasized that removing technicians from active traffic lanes protects both the people doing the repairs and the professional drivers who need help.

Statistics back up the concern. A study cited in the announcement reported an average of 566 deaths and more than 14,000 injuries every year in incidents involving disabled vehicles on the roadside. States across the country have been updating move-over laws in response to these ongoing dangers.

Some states only require motorists to move over for emergency vehicles, which includes TA’s roadside crews. Other states are now expanding those laws to cover any vehicle on the shoulder. This year, California, Kansas, New Hampshire, and West Virginia all strengthened their move-over requirements. Bills are also moving forward in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Wisconsin.

For truck drivers, the end of highway-shoulder repairs means planning, watching for mechanical warning signs earlier, and aiming for safer places to pull off whenever possible. The change also serves as another reminder of how dangerous the roadside has become, especially for anyone working inches away from high-speed traffic.

Source: Land Line Media

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Between 2013 and 2023, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported approximately 3,500 fatalities involving individuals standing near disabled vehicles. These troubling numbers have prompted state lawmakers to pursue updates to move-over laws, providing greater coverage and clarity. Here’s a look at how several states are advancing their road safety statutes.

Kansas

Kansas has recently broadened its move-over legislation. Governor Laura Kelly signed a law expanding protections that previously applied to emergency vehicles, law enforcement, and utility trucks. The updated rule now includes any stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying hazard lights, road flares, cones, reflective triangles, or other caution signals.

Colonel Erik Smith of the Kansas Highway Patrol explained that the law aligns the state’s safety message to simplify public understanding. “It aligns our message across the board – if you see flashing lights, move over and slow down,” Smith testified before the Senate committee.

Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of these changes, saying, “Thanks to this commonsense bill, all drivers will now be required to move over or slow down if there is a vehicle on the side of the road with flashing lights. This bill will improve safety and will make it easier to educate the driving public.”

West Virginia

West Virginia lawmakers are advancing move-over provisions to include additional vehicles. Current law requires motorists to slow down or change lanes for emergency vehicles with their lights activated.

Proposed legislation (HB2344) seeks to protect maintenance vehicles and any stationary vehicle displaying warning signals, such as flashers, flares, or reflective markers. With support from state representatives, the measure now heads to the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for further consideration.

California

California is among the states pushing for further move-over protections. Current law requires drivers to move over or reduce speed for emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and Caltrans vehicles.

Assembly Bill 390 (AB 390) aims to include all marked highway maintenance vehicles and any other stationary vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights or safety signals, such as cones, flares, or reflective devices.

Assemblymember Lori Wilson remarked that this change is long overdue, backed by data from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, which reported 72 deaths, including truck drivers, delivery workers, motorists, and passengers, outside disabled vehicles in 2021 alone. California’s highways have also recorded the second-highest number of fatalities under similar circumstances nationwide between 2013 and 2022.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts is proposing amendments to its move-over law through Senate Bill 2352 (S2352). The current statute already covers emergency, maintenance, and recovery vehicles. However, the amendment seeks to extend protections to utility vehicles and stationary disabled vehicles parked on shoulders or in breakdown lanes.

This proposal is under review by the Senate Transportation Committee and aims to enhance roadside safety in a densely populated and highly trafficked state.

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is joining the move to expand roadside safety laws. Currently, state law requires drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles with red, blue, or amber lights.

Senate Bill 273 (SB 273) aims to add coverage for vehicles stopped with activated hazard lights or other safety devices, such as cones or flares. Following unanimous approval from the Senate, the provision moves forward with support from the New Hampshire State Police.

Urging safe driving behaviors, Colonel Mark Hall stated, “We urge everyone to prioritize safety by paying attention, slowing down, and moving over for those working or stopped on the side of our roads.”

New Jersey

A year after extending protections to all roadside vehicles with hazard lights, road flares, or reflective markers, New Jersey lawmakers are considering additional refinements.

Amendments under Assembly Bill 4813 (A4813) would require drivers to move over or slow down for stationary vehicles, even if they are not utilizing hazard lights or reflective warnings. This measure has already passed the Assembly and now awaits review from the Senate Transportation Committee.

Ohio

Ohio lawmakers are working to strengthen their move-over laws with Senate Bill 16 (SB 16). The bill proposes protection for any “vehicle in distress” displaying safety signals like flares, red lights, reflectors, or hazard lights.

Currently, Ohio’s law covers emergency, utility, and enforcement vehicles with flashing warning lights. This bill, now under review by the Senate Transportation Committee, broadens the definition of protected vehicles.

Texas

Texas also seeks to strengthen its roadside protections. Lone Star State law already requires drivers to slow down to 20 mph below the posted limit when passing emergency vehicles, tow trucks, or similar official vehicles.

House Bill 3726 (HB 3726) and Senate Bill 2126 (SB 2126) aim to extend these requirements to vehicles stopped on highway shoulders or adjacent areas with hazard lights activated. Both measures are under consideration in their respective transportation committees.

A Unified Push for Safer Roads

With nearly half of all U.S. states now revising move-over laws to encompass more roadside scenarios, lawmakers are aligning efforts to create cohesive public safety messaging. These updates not only aim to reduce roadside accidents but also emphasize the importance of vigilance for all drivers.

For the thousands of individuals working, assisting, or traveling on America’s roads, these changes offer much-needed protection. By respecting move-over laws, drivers contribute to safer highways where everyone is afforded the precautions they deserve.

Source: Land Line

The post Kansas and Other States Expand Move-Over Laws to Improve Roadside Safety appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Initially designed to protect emergency personnel, move-over laws have expanded over the years to include additional categories of vehicles like road service, utility, and tow trucks. Advocacy groups, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, have persistently pushed for the inclusion of large trucks and other common-sense extensions to these rules.

In recent years, numerous state legislatures have embraced the call for broader protections, with at least 20 states now encompassing all highway users under their move-over laws. States like Maryland, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania have led the way in adopting comprehensive measures.

The movement continues to gain traction, with several states considering updates to their move-over laws during the current legislative sessions.

Georgia is actively deliberating on HB959, a bill aiming to extend move-over protections to any vehicle with individuals present outside of it. The legislation, which received unanimous support from the House Motor Vehicles Committee, would cover any vehicle displaying flashing hazard lights on roadways with a minimum of two lanes traveling in the same direction.

Similarly, both the Kansas House and Senate are reviewing identical legislation, HB2503/SB142, seeking to broaden move-over rules. This legislation proposes expanding protections to any stationary vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or caution signals, with an added $75 fine for unlawfully passing a stationary vehicle.

In Kentucky, the statehouse is considering extending move-over requirements with HB19, which advocates for including any “disabled vehicle” displaying a warning signal under the move-over law. This bill, endorsed by AAA Bluegrass, aims to protect all road users stranded along the roadside and is currently awaiting further consideration in the House chamber.

Meanwhile, Ohio is exploring SB178, a proposed expansion of the move-over law to include any stationary vehicle in “distress.” This bill outlines specific distress indicators such as lit fuses, flares, red lights, reflectors, flags, emergency signs, or flashing lights. Failure to comply could result in misdemeanor charges, with potential additional fines for distracted driving violations.

As the push for more inclusive move-over laws gains momentum across various states, these updates aim to enhance safety for all highway users and ensure that everyone, regardless of the reason for being parked along the roadside, is adequately protected. Stay informed about these evolving regulations to promote a safer driving environment for all.

Source: Land Line

The post States Across the Nation Change Move-Over Rules to Increase Safety and Reduce Accidents appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This adjustment has already been implemented by four neighboring states. Presently, over 20 states have broadened their move-over laws to cover all road users, with Maryland, Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Oklahoma, Oregon, and Pennsylvania leading the way since 2023.

Proposed by Kentucky State Representative Mary Beth Imes of Murray, House Bill 19 seeks to extend the move-over requirement to include any “disabled vehicle” displaying a warning signal.

The existing move-over law in Kentucky, in place since 2003, mandates drivers to shift to an adjacent lane when approaching an emergency or public safety vehicle with flashing lights. If a lane change is unsafe, drivers must reduce speed and proceed with caution. Currently applicable to law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and towing vehicles, violations incur fines and potential jail time.

HB19 proposes an expansion to cover any vehicle displaying warning signals like emergency flashers, flares, or retroreflective signals. AAA Bluegrass supports this bill, emphasizing the need to protect all road users parked along the roadside for any reason. The bill awaits consideration in committee.

Across the state line in Ohio, a Senate bill sponsored by Senator Steve Wilson aims to broaden the move-over law to include any stationary vehicle in “distress.”

Failure to change lanes or proceed with caution around a distressed stationary vehicle could result in a misdemeanor offense. Those with previous traffic violations within the past year could face increased charges. An additional $100 charge may apply if distracted driving is a contributing factor.

Senate Bill 178 is currently under review in the Ohio Senate Transportation Committee. Advocates, including the Ohio State Highway Patrol, argue that the existing law is confusing for drivers, and Wilson’s bill seeks to clarify and enhance current regulations, emphasizing that providing space can be crucial for saving lives.

“If any of you have ever been out along an interstate and had to change a tire, it is a scary, scary thing,” Wilson said.

Source: Land Line

The post Kentucky and Ohio Step Up and Write Official Bill for Move-Over Rules appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

This year, seven more states have joined the movement and adopted similar move-over rule changes. With the momentum building, many expect the list of states to expand even further in the near future.

Here’s what you need to know.

Colorado

As of this year, Colorado has taken the lead in expanding the state’s move-over rule to protect a wider range of stationary vehicles. The law requires drivers to move over one lane when approaching or passing stationary emergency vehicles, tow trucks, public utility service vehicles, or vehicles being equipped with tire chains. If moving over is not possible, drivers should reduce and maintain a speed of 20 mph below the posted speed limit.

Governor Jared Polis has signed HB1123, adding stationary vehicles giving a hazard signal to the list of those protected by the law. Failure to comply could result in a careless driving offense and a minimum $150 fine or at least 10 days in jail. According to a fiscal note, over the past three years, 230 people were sentenced for violating this law.

“Motorists who fail to comply with this law, paired with common driving distractions, create a dangerous and sometimes deadly combination on Colorado’s roadways,” reads the Colorado State Patrol website.

The updated rule will go into effect in August.

Florida

Florida is expanding its move-over rule to provide better protection for drivers of disabled vehicles. Previously limited to first responders and towing vehicles, the rule now requires all drivers to slow down or move over when they see a vehicle on the side of the road with hazard lights, flares, or emergency signage.

The new law goes into effect on July 1; however, enforcement won’t begin until January 1. Fines for violators can reach up to $158.

Indiana

Indiana’s move-over rule now covers a wider range of protected road users thanks to the passing of HB1050. The new law adds disabled stationary vehicles with flashing hazard warning signals to the list of those afforded protection.

Violators who fail to move over or yield face fines up to $1,000. Additionally, jail time is possible if an emergency worker is injured or killed due to a driver’s noncompliance.

The amendment takes effect July 1.

Minnesota

Minnesota’s omnibus transportation bill, currently signed into law, has introduced a revised move-over law set to take effect on July 1st. This law extends to all vehicles stopped on the roadside with flashing lights, including ambulances, fire trucks, law enforcement, construction and maintenance vehicles, and tow trucks.

The new update, which is included in HF2887, emphasizes the importance of moving over for any stopped vehicle with flashing lights. Even if the lights aren’t flashing, drivers must still move over if a person is present outside the vehicle on a highway with two lanes in the same direction.

Montana

Montana has taken a step forward to improve road safety with a new move-over rule. Under the revised statute, emergency vehicles, police vehicles, and tow trucks with flashing or rotating amber, blue, red, or green lights or temporary signs must be given a wide berth by road users. The list of protected vehicles has now been extended to include highway maintenance and utility vehicles with similar lighting or signs.

Although this measure is expected to improve the safety of workers performing critical jobs on the side of the road, the amendments did not go as far as other states. The original Bill included broader protection for “other vehicles,” which would have covered cars and trucks.

The updated law will come into effect on October 1.

North Carolina

North Carolina’s move-over law shields law enforcement, emergency and utility workers. Any travelers who fail to abide by this law might be fined up to $250.

Recently, the Senate voted to extend this protection to any parked vehicle displaying caution signals, including road flares and hazard lights. This legislation, SB638, is currently awaiting consideration in the House.

North Dakota

Starting August 1st, drivers in North Dakota must abide by a new move-over rule. This state law mandates that drivers move to an adjacent lane or reduce their speed to a safe level when passing emergency vehicles or transportation department vehicles with flashing lights activated. However, exceptions are allowed if safety, road, weather, and/or traffic conditions do not allow.

Representative Austen Schauer, R-West Fargo, expressed that many drivers are confused about which types of vehicles qualify for this new protection. Schauer explained that while a school bus, motor coach, tractor-trailer, or family vehicle are not covered under the move-over rule, it is expected that drivers will reduce their speed or move over for any vehicle on the side of the highway with hazard lights activated. Unfortunately, some drivers do not comply with this expectation, and this has prompted the legislature to implement a new rule to safeguard the lives of all drivers on the state’s fastest roadways.

HB1141 has been approved by the legislature and will be enforced shortly. This rule requires drivers approaching a vehicle displaying flashing hazard warning signals on a highway outside the limits of a city to move over or slow down while maintaining a safe speed for the road conditions. Those who violate the new rule will face a fine of $20.

Tennessee

Effective July 1, Tennessee has implemented a new rule to protect first responders as well as highway maintenance and utility vehicles using emergency signals. Travelers are required by state law to move over or reduce speed for these affected vehicles, and violators may face costly fines ranging from $100 to $500.

The passage of HB92 expands the law’s protection to include any disabled vehicle with hazard lights activated. However, first-time violators of the rule would only face a fine of up to $250, while subsequent violations could result in escalating fine amounts of up to $2,500.

According to the Tennessee Department of Safety, there have been an average of 1,585 convictions annually for the offenses now covered under the new rule since 2018.

Virginia

To ensure the safety of emergency vehicles and now any highway user displaying hazard lights, caution signs, and road flares, travelers on roadways with at least two lanes in one direction must proceed with caution and consider yielding the right of way by making a safe lane change. If a lane change is not possible, drivers must use due caution and maintain a safe speed.

This updated law, effective July 1, prioritizes safety for all highway users. Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Sen. David Marsden, D-Burke, emphasized its significance in protecting those alongside the roadway.

Source: Land Line

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