Tow Truck Driver's Tragic Death Sparks Urgent Move Over Law Campaign

US-27, LaBelle, FL, USA - In a tragic incident this past April, Ken Sposato, a dedicated tow truck driver from LaBelle, lost his life while securing a heavy load on US-27. Sposato was struck by a passing driver who sideswiped his equipment, leading to a heart-wrenching situation for his family and colleagues. His wife, Stephanie Sposato, has been vocal about the devastating loss, describing him as a wonderful husband and father, making the grief even more palpable. The circumstances surrounding his death have spurred an urgent call for change in Florida’s traffic laws.

Stephanie Sposato has taken it upon herself to raise awareness of Florida’s Move Over law, which mandates that drivers move over or slow down when encountering vehicles with flashing lights or hazard signals. Despite Ken adhering to all safety protocols—wearing a high visibility vest and utilizing proper equipment—this tragic accident underscores a pervasive issue. His colleagues echo her concern, noting that many drivers fail to change lanes, even when emergency lights are visible, which is alarmingly common in Florida, a state that ranks third in roadside worker fatalities, according to FOX 4 Now.

Rising Fatality Rates

A recent study conducted by AAA has shed light on the dangers faced by roadside workers. The study highlights that from 2015 to 2021, 123 roadside assistance workers lost their lives while on the job, with a significant number of these incidents occurring in broad daylight and under clear weather conditions. Furthermore, it was discovered that a considerable portion of these accidents involved distractions or fatigue among drivers. This reality illustrates the critical need for enhanced compliance with Move Over laws, as distracting factors remain largely under-reported in these cases. Florida alone recorded 10 fatalities during this five-year span, following Texas and California closely in the national rankings of roadside worker deaths, as shared by News 13.

Florida’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes away from stopped emergency vehicles or significantly reduce their speed when unable to safely merge, potentially lessening the risk faced by roadside workers. Unfortunately, many seem unaware or unmotivated to follow these rules, despite the implications they carry for those working tirelessly to assist others on the roads.

A Call for Change

In response to her husband’s death, Stephanie started the „Move Over for Ken“ movement, focusing on advocacy for better enforcement of the existing laws. With over 8,000 signatures gathered on her petition, she plans to advocate for legislative changes to strengthen move over laws. Proposed adjustments include awareness campaigns, an official Move Over Awareness Week, and tougher penalties for violations—including felony charges and mandatory jail time. As she prepares to present her petition to state lawmakers, her determination could potentially bring about much-needed changes in Florida’s traffic laws.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has echoed Stephanie’s concerns, revealing that fatalities among roadside assistance providers have been on the rise. Their recommendations include not only improving compliance with Move Over laws but also a broader approach to transportation safety involving speed, impaired driving, and distraction. The foundation suggests mechanisms like electronic message signs to alert approaching drivers, aiming to safeguard those working on the roadside, as emphasized in their report linked here: AAA Foundation.

As Florida grapples with the consequences of these tragic accidents, community engagement and legislative action become more crucial than ever. The tragic story of Ken Sposato serves as a call to action for all drivers, reminding them that their attentiveness could save lives both on the road and for those who serve it.