Press Event: Prevent Roadside Deaths

DID YOU KNOW: Nationwide, more than 100 tow truck operators, police officers, firefighters, highway workers, and first responders are struck and killed by vehicles while working on the roadside each year. 60 percent of those killed are tow operators – with one tow truck driver killed, on average, every six days. While all 50 states have a "Slow Down, Move Over" law to protect these first responders, nearly 71 percent of Americans have never heard of these laws, according to the National Safety Commission. 

WHAT: Please join AAA Colorado, local law enforcement, first responders, and tow operators from across the state to kick off the Colorado leg of the "Spirit Ride." The Spirit Ride is a nationwide procession of more than 300 tow companies relaying a symbolic casket to raise awareness of the risks faced by those working at the roadside and to promote safe driving and "Slow Down, Move Over" laws. More information is available at: atspiritride.com.

WHEN: Saturday, June 23 | 9:30 a.m.

WHERE: AAA Colorado Headquarters | 6061 S. Willow Dr., Greenwood Village, 80111 | West Parking Lot (facing I-25).

WHY: The summer driving season is both the busiest and most dangerous time of year for first responders operating on the roadside. In Colorado, drivers face a $170 ticket, four penalty points, and a misdemeanor charge for failure to move over or slow down when approaching an official vehicle with flashing red, blue, or amber lights on the side of the road. Failure to abide by the law often has deadly consequences – as in November 2016, when Colorado State Trooper Cody Donahue was killed by a driver who did not move to another lane. In 2017, the "Move Over for Cody" act, creating felony penalties against drivers who injure or kill an emergency roadside worker after failing to slow down or move over, was passed in Trooper Donahue's honor. AAA Colorado was proud to support this legislation. 

VISUALS:

• A procession of up to 100 tow truck drivers, law enforcement, and other first responders carrying the "Spirit Casket" to its next destination in Colorado Springs. 
• The "Spirit Casket," a ceremonial, custom-built, eight-foot-long casket featuring art depicting the risks faced by roadway first responders.
• Color guards, taps buglers, and original folk songs performed live in tribute to first responders who have been struck down while working on the roadway. 

About AAA Colorado

More than 680,000 members strong, AAA Colorado is the state's most prominent advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. As North America's largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides more than 58 million members with travel, insurance, financial, and automotive-related services – as well as member-exclusive savings. For more information, visit AAA.com.