Slow Down, Move Over: Keeping Roadside Workers Safe This Thanksgiving Weekend

Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude—but it’s also one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With more vehicles on the road, roadside workers face an even greater risk while helping drivers in need. Whether it’s a tow truck operator, police officer, paramedic, or highway maintenance crew, their safety depends on all of us remembering one important law: Slow Down, Move Over.

What Is the Slow Down, Move Over Law?

In Ontario (and across most of North America), drivers are required by law to slow down and, if it’s safe to do so, move over a lane when approaching an emergency or roadside vehicle with flashing lights. This includes:

• Tow trucks
• Police, fire, and ambulance vehicles
• Road maintenance and utility crews
• CAA Roadside Assistance vehicles

The rule is simple: if you see flashing lights ahead, slow down and move over.

For more details on how to move over safely, check out our guide on what to do when you see flashing lights on the road.

Why Thanksgiving Weekend Is Especially Risky

According to traffic safety experts, long weekends—especially Thanksgiving—are among the busiest times on Ontario roads. Families travel to visit loved ones, highways become congested, and the chances of collisions or breakdowns increase. That means more roadside calls, and more workers exposed to speeding traffic.

Unfortunately, roadside workers are injured or killed every year simply because drivers fail to give them space. A few extra seconds of caution can prevent tragedy.

How You Can Help Protect Roadside Workers

Here are simple but life-saving steps every driver can take this Thanksgiving:

1. Stay Alert – Watch for flashing lights well ahead of time.
2. Reduce Speed – Slow down to a safe speed when passing any roadside vehicle.
3. Move Over – If conditions allow, change lanes to give workers extra space.
4. Be Patient – Expect heavier traffic and plan extra travel time. Rushing puts everyone at risk.
5. Set an Example – Show young drivers and passengers the importance of respecting roadside safety.

This Thanksgiving, Drive with Gratitude

As you head out to enjoy turkey, pumpkin pie, and time with family, remember the roadside workers who may be spending their holiday keeping others safe. By obeying the Slow Down, Move Over law, you’re helping ensure they get home safely to their families, too.

Let’s make this Thanksgiving weekend a safe one for everyone—on and off the road.

Need help on the road? Our Roadside Assistance team is always just a call away.