Phoenix, Ariz., January 12, 2009.  In August 2008, tow truck driver Jesse Gault and the motorist he was assisting were killed on State Route 202, when a heavy-equipment truck veered into them.  And in 2006, two additional tow truck drivers lost their lives while performing their roadside assistance duties.  AAA Arizona is hoping to prevent future tragedies like these from occurring by advocating the enactment of HB 2002, the Roadside Safety Assistance Act. 

HB 2002 would require motorists in any lane approaching a stationary tow truck or highway maintenance vehicle displaying a signal or flashing lights, to make a safe lane change to a non-adjacent lane, or when that’s not safe or possible, by proceeding with caution and at a reduced speed. 

Current Arizona state law provides this protection to emergency vehicle workers, such as police and fire personnel.  Prior to the adoption of the law, eight Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers have lost their lives while performing their roadside duties.  Since the current law was adopted in 2005, no DPS patrol officer has been killed while aiding the public on the side of the road, according to the agency.  

HB 2002 was among the first bills introduced to the 49th Arizona State Legislature, sponsored by Rep. Bill Konopnicki.

"Throughout Arizona we rely on the services provided by roadside assistance personnel and we owe it those individuals and their families to allow them to do their work as safely as possible," Konopnicki said.

As of November 2008, 43 states have similar “move over” laws to protect emergency personnel who respond to a traffic crash. Of those, only 29 protect roadside assistance providers.

“These recent tragedies underscore the need for the Roadside Safety Assistance Act,” said Linda Gorman, director of public affairs for AAA Arizona.  “This is the responsible thing to do—protect roadside responders and the motorists they are assisting by offering them the same protection we give other emergency workers.” 

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members.  Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists.  Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. 

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