CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Concurrent Resolution
No. 212

Introduced by Assembly Member Wilson

June 10, 2024

Relative to Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week.


LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


ACR 212, as introduced, Wilson. Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week.
This measure would designate the week of June 23, 2024, to June 29, 2024, inclusive, and every third week of June thereafter, as Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week.
Fiscal Committee: NO  
WHEREAS, Roadside assistance crews put their lives on the line every day to help stranded motorists; and
WHEREAS, The public’s health, safety, and well-being are often dependent on the commitment of roadside assistance crews to conduct invaluable operations on the side of our roads; and
WHEREAS, An average of 24 roadside assistance workers are struck and killed by vehicles while working each year; and
WHEREAS, Every year, roadside assistance workers and first responders are struck by passing motorists, often while aiding motorists and clearing roadway incidents, causing serious injury or death; and
WHEREAS, Traffic-related incidents are the leading cause of death for on-duty law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical service workers, maintenance workers, and towing professionals; and
WHEREAS, Many of these incidents could have been prevented if motorists had followed California’s move over law; and
WHEREAS, California’s move over law requires drivers to move over a lane when approaching a stopped emergency roadside vehicle with flashing amber lights and, if unable to do so safely, requires drivers to slow down; and
WHEREAS, Roadside assistance workers still face daily risks associated with their jobs, as 23 percent of drivers are unaware of the move over law in the state in which they live; and
WHEREAS, Among those who are aware of their state’s move over law, about 15 percent report not understanding the potential consequences for violating the law; and
WHEREAS, Forty-two percent of drivers who do not comply with move over laws thought this behavior was either somewhat, or not dangerous at all to roadside assistance workers; and
WHEREAS, Recognizing Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week reinforces public awareness of slow down, move over laws, which mitigate the daily risks encountered by these roadside assistance and service professionals; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature declares the week of June 23, 2024, to June 29, 2024, inclusive, and every third week of June thereafter, as Roadside Assistance Worker Appreciation Week; and be it further
Resolved, That the Legislature expresses its appreciation to roadside assistance workers who assist stranded motorists; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.