Ontario drivers know the phrase—but not the Slow Down, Move Over law
Most Ontario drivers recognize the words “Slow Down, Move Over,” but new research from CAA shows many do not understand that the law protects more than police officers.
Ahead of National Slow Down Move Over Day on Oct. 17, CAA North & East Ontario (CAA NEO) is urging motorists to slow down and, when safe, move over for tow trucks, ambulances, fire trucks, police vehicles and other roadside service vehicles displaying flashing lights.
The 2026 Ontario Towing & Tow Zone Study, conducted among 2,500 Ontario drivers, found that 82 per cent have heard the term “Slow Down, Move Over,” yet only 55 per cent knew before the survey that drivers are legally required to slow down and, when safe, move over for tow trucks with flashing lights.
CAA recently launched a public service video illustrating the danger tow truck drivers face everyday, says Julie Beun, Managing Director, Communications and Public Relations, CAA North & East Ontario.
“The video is a dramatic portrayal of a hypothetical chain of events, but it reflects the very real threat CAA tow truck drivers and light-service vehicle drivers face every day when motorists don’t slow down and move over away from an emergency vehicle,” said Julie Beun, Managing Director, Communications and Public Relations, CAA North & East Ontario.
The awareness gap is reflected in drivers’ reported behaviour. While 93 per cent say they always slow down and move over for ambulances, 92 per cent for fire trucks and 91 per cent for police vehicles, only 49 per cent say they always do so for tow trucks. Open-ended responses pointed to three key barriers: lack of awareness of the law, uncertainty about when it applies and the perception that tow trucks are not emergency vehicles.
CAA North & East Ontario driver Daniel Weaver-Rutten faces the risk posed by motorists daily.
“All it takes is one second of inattention and someone could drift over and hit me. People drive by us, they don’t pay attention, and all it takes is one second of inattention. I have to keep an eye over my shoulder to make sure that nobody’s coming at me.”
Ontario’s Slow Down, Move Over law
Ontario introduced Slow Down, Move Over legislation in 2003 to protect police and other emergency responders working at the roadside. Tow trucks were added to the legislation in 2015. Under Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, drivers approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with flashing red or red-and-blue lights, or a tow truck with flashing amber lights, must slow down and proceed with caution. On roads with two or more lanes travelling in the same direction, drivers must move over and leave a lane of space when it is safe to do so.
About the study
The online survey was conducted March 3–10, 2026, among 2,500 Ontario adults recruited from the Angus Reid Forum. Respondents were required to hold a valid G or G2 licence and have access to a vehicle they drive regularly. The sample was balanced by age, gender and region to ensure the data was representative.
About CAA North & East Ontario
CAA North & East Ontario is a membership organization serving communities across Northern and Eastern Ontario. CAA advocates for safer roads and protects roadside workers.
Learn more: CAA NEO Slow Down Move Over
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Media contact:
Julie Beun
Managing Director, Communications and Public Relations
CAA North & East Ontario
jbeun@caaneo.ca