Slow Down, Move Over Laws: Investigating Factors Influencing Drivers’ Behavior and Compliance

December 5th, 2025

This study employed a comprehensive, phased, mixed-methods approach. First, the research team documented state Slow Down, Move Over laws and surveyed and interviewed traffic safety stakeholders from State Highway Safety Offices, Departments of Transportation, and law enforcement agencies to gather information about public information and education and enforcement efforts. Next, the research team conducted focus groups with 135 drivers across 10 states, reflecting a diversity of state laws as well as driver experience and age. Real-world behavior of 12,365 drivers passing 169 unique incident scenes was examined using video from existing traffic cameras located on specific highways in 13 states to quantify the percentage of drivers who changed lanes or reduced their speed as required by law, as well as factors influencing compliance. The findings were then used as a basis for several recommendations for promising strategies for increasing safe behavior and compliance with Slow Down, Move Over laws.