The number of fatal crashes involving roadside assistance workers is higher than originally thought. That’s according to a new study released by AAA.
Researchers uncovered 123 fatal crashes involving such workers between 2015 and 2021. This figure is more than triple the 34 noted in national crash data.
Identity confirmed in pedestrian fatally struck on I-90 eastbound overnight
AAA officials said the discrepancy is due to the fact many roadside assistance providers were mistakenly categorized as pedestrians in police reports.
“These are people who got out every single day, put themselves in harm’s way so everyone else can be safe. Tragically the numbers are just shockingly high when you count how many of them are potentially dying at the roadside,” said Jim Garrity, AAA spokesperson.
PennDOT reminds drivers to move over for first responders
Garrity said the majority of these crashes occur on major highways where people don’t obey the move-over law or slow down.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.