Slow Down Move Over - Awareness Month - October 2025

October is Slow Down Move Over Awareness Month: Protecting Tow Truck Operators in Washington

Every day, men and women working on Washington’s roads put their lives on the line to help others. As a towing company, this reality hits close to home for us at Frank’s Towing & Recovery. When we respond to a call, whether it is a stalled car, a wreck, or a stranded driver, we are often just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic. That is why Slow Down, Move Over laws are so important, and why October is recognized as Slow Down Move Over Awareness Month.

What the Law Says in Washington

Washington law requires drivers to move over one lane if it is safe to do so, or slow down when approaching any vehicle stopped on the side of the road with flashing lights. This includes:

    •    Tow trucks

    •    Police and emergency vehicles

    •    Fire trucks

    •    Roadside work vehicles

Failing to follow the law can result in hefty fines, but more importantly, it can cost lives.

Why It Matters for Tow Truck Operators

Tow truck operators are often called the “first responders of the road.” We show up in unpredictable, often dangerous conditions to get vehicles cleared and families safely back on the road. Unfortunately, the reality is that 20 or more tow operators are struck and killed across the United States every year. Too many close calls happen daily, and Washington is no exception.

When drivers do not slow down or move over, it turns a routine call into a life-or-death situation. All it takes is one distracted or speeding driver to change lives forever.

How You Can Help Keep Us Safe

The Slow Down Move Over law is simple, but it requires everyone’s attention:

    •    Move Over: If you see flashing lights on the roadside, move one lane away if you can safely do so.

    •    Slow Down: If traffic prevents you from moving over, reduce your speed significantly and pass cautiously.

    •    Stay Alert: Avoid distractions. A few seconds of attention can prevent tragedy.

Our Commitment at Frank’s Towing & Recovery

We are proud to serve Auburn, King County, and the greater Seattle area with care and safety at the heart of what we do. Our trucks, the orange Freightliner and the white Ram 5500, are out on the roads daily helping neighbors and strangers alike. We want to make it home to our families at the end of each shift. That is why spreading awareness about this law is not just a campaign for us, it is personal.

Join Us in Spreading the Word

This month, we invite you to stand with us by reminding friends and family about Washington’s Slow Down Move Over law. Share it on social media. Talk about it with your teens who are learning to drive. And most importantly, practice it every time you get behind the wheel.

Because when you slow down and move over, you are not just following the law. You are saving lives.

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💛 From our family at Frank’s Towing & Recovery to yours: Thank you for driving safely, respecting roadside workers, and helping protect those who protect others.