Georgia Tow Truck Operator Shares Harrowing Experiences as Drivers Ignore ‘Move-Over’ Law

BYRON, GEORGIA – A Georgia tow truck operator is sounding the alarm after surviving repeated close calls on the job, saying drivers are increasingly ignoring the state’s “move-over” law, putting emergency responders, law enforcement officers, and roadside workers in danger.

According to a new AAA study, nearly one in three drivers nationwide fail to comply with move-over laws — legislation that requires motorists to slow down and shift lanes when approaching emergency or service vehicles stopped on the roadside. In Georgia, the law has been in place for more than two decades, but workers say compliance has drastically declined.

“Hardly Anybody Moves Now”

For Jeff Orban, owner of Orban’s Towing in Byron, the dangers of the road have become a daily reality. After 26 years in the towing business, he says the level of disregard from drivers is worse than ever.
“When I first started back in 1999, almost everybody moved over. Hardly anybody moves now,” Orban said. “I have bruises all up my back from people’s mirrors hitting us and everything.”

He recalled being struck multiple times by side mirrors and nearly killed just three weeks ago when a speeding car came within inches of him. “I had to jump onto my truck bed to avoid being hit,” he said. “People are either in a hurry or staring at their phones — they don’t see what’s happening on the shoulder.”

Despite the danger, Orban continues working to support his three children, whom he raises alone. “I can’t just stop. It’s my livelihood,” he said.

Police and Troopers Say Drivers Are Ignoring the Law

Capt. Bryan Hunter of the Byron Police Department said he sees violations of the move-over law every week. He described a terrifying moment when a vehicle nearly hit him during a traffic stop.
“I almost jumped inside the car with the people I had stopped,” Hunter said. “Then I went and caught the driver who almost hit me.”

Hunter believes that most drivers are aware of the law but simply choose not to follow it. “You don’t need to slam your brakes when you see emergency lights,” he explained. “Just slow down and use good judgment — we’re trying to stay alive out here.”

Sgt. Michael Strickland of the Georgia State Patrol, an 11-year veteran, echoed those concerns. “You have some people who don’t even know it’s the law, and others who just aren’t paying attention,” he said. “They come upon law enforcement vehicles too fast and have no time to move over.”

A Growing Problem With Deadly Consequences

The AAA report found that only 64% of drivers nationwide comply with move-over laws, a figure experts say is dangerously low. Violating Georgia’s law can lead to fines of up to $500 and three points added to a driver’s license, yet enforcement remains difficult as roadside workers continue to face life-threatening conditions.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety says distracted driving and speeding are key contributors to these violations. Tow truck operators, police officers, and EMTs remain among the most at-risk workers in the country.

“Every day we take that risk to help someone else,” Orban said. “All we’re asking is for drivers to slow down and give us space to make it home alive.”

Safety Officials Urge Drivers to Take the Law Seriously

Law enforcement agencies across the state are now increasing patrols and public awareness efforts to reinforce the importance of the move-over law. Authorities urge drivers to shift one lane away when possible and reduce speed significantly when approaching flashing lights or roadside workers.

“That one small decision can save a life,” Sgt. Strickland said.

Residents who have witnessed near-misses or violations of Georgia’s move-over law are encouraged to share their stories and safety suggestions in the comments at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com, where the conversation on protecting first responders continues.