Slow Down. Move Over. Save a Life.
A Letter From the Chair of the Board
Many of us have been the victim of a flat tire, a dead battery or a car that simply will not start. We call CAA, and when we see the tow truck arrive, we are relieved and know that we will be rescued.
While we sit in our car, our CAA roadside rescuer steps out, often only a few feet from fast-moving traffic. Their attention is divided between helping us, working on our car and watching the road. It is dangerous work. And when passing drivers are distracted, going too fast or don’t think to move over, it is even more dangerous.
Last year, we lost two contracted tow truck drivers in accidents that should not have happened — because other drivers did not slow down and move over. Two people went to work as they did every day, expecting to rescue our Members and then go home. But they didn’t go home. Each of them had family members, friends and colleagues whose lives have been changed forever.
That is why, at CAA, we are very focused on our Slow Down, Move Over campaign.
Our ask is simple. It is also the law. When you see a tow truck, emergency vehicle or roadside service vehicle stopped with its lights flashing, slow down and, when it is safe to do so, move over. Give the people working at the roadside the space they need to do their jobs, so they return home safely when their work is done. That’s it. Not hard to do. Not much of an inconvenience.
Our campaign is very direct because the impacts are very real. As drivers, we may only have a second or two to make the right decision. But taking a second to lift our foot from the accelerator, to pay attention and to change lanes safely can prevent a tragedy.
CAA roadside rescuers work to help us at all hours of the day and night and in every kind of weather. They come to us when we are stranded, vulnerable and sometimes a bit afraid. They protect us when we need help. We certainly owe them the same consideration in return.
Slow down. Move over. A few seconds and some easy decisions could save a life.
Jean Desgagné
Chair of the Board
CAA Club Group of Companies
Many of us have been the victim of a flat tire, a dead battery or a car that simply will not start. We call CAA, and when we see the tow truck arrive, we are relieved and know that we will be rescued.
While we sit in our car, our CAA roadside rescuer steps out, often only a few feet from fast-moving traffic. Their attention is divided between helping us, working on our car and watching the road. It is dangerous work. And when passing drivers are distracted, going too fast or don’t think to move over, it is even more dangerous.
Last year, we lost two contracted tow truck drivers in accidents that should not have happened — because other drivers did not slow down and move over. Two people went to work as they did every day, expecting to rescue our Members and then go home. But they didn’t go home. Each of them had family members, friends and colleagues whose lives have been changed forever.
That is why, at CAA, we are very focused on our Slow Down, Move Over campaign.
Our ask is simple. It is also the law. When you see a tow truck, emergency vehicle or roadside service vehicle stopped with its lights flashing, slow down and, when it is safe to do so, move over. Give the people working at the roadside the space they need to do their jobs, so they return home safely when their work is done. That’s it. Not hard to do. Not much of an inconvenience.
Our campaign is very direct because the impacts are very real. As drivers, we may only have a second or two to make the right decision. But taking a second to lift our foot from the accelerator, to pay attention and to change lanes safely can prevent a tragedy.
CAA roadside rescuers work to help us at all hours of the day and night and in every kind of weather. They come to us when we are stranded, vulnerable and sometimes a bit afraid. They protect us when we need help. We certainly owe them the same consideration in return.
Slow down. Move over. A few seconds and some easy decisions could save a life.
Jean Desgagné
Chair of the Board
CAA Club Group of Companies
