Drivers may be forced to slow down on motorways to avoid this fatal mistake
The RAC, AA and Green Flag are urging motorway drivers to 'slow down and move over' when they see a recovery worker on the hard shoulder
BRITAIN'S biggest breakdown companies have joined efforts to force drivers to 'slow down and move over' when passing a roadside technician at work on the motorway.
Following several of their workers' deaths and serious injuries, the RAC, AA and Green Flag want Government to add the safety measure to the Highway Code.
In June this year, the RAC's David Stokes, 33, was tragically killed while fixing a car on the A617 in Rainworth.
He was the third roadside technician to have died in the last 12 months, prompting the three firms to write an open letter to Road Safety Minister Jesse Norman.
As well as turning the 'slow down, move over' motto into policy, they have also called for the support of the Government's Think! road safety campaign to promote awareness of the problem.
Sun Motors understands the phrase was originally coined by a tow-truck driver Paul Anstee who started his own by the same name.
The AA has previously called for changes to the Highway Code in July, but the recommendations were dismissed by Norman.
James Knight, RAC Chief Operation Officer, said: "Working or breaking down at the side of a busy road or motorway is a nerve-racking experience and one we know carries risks.
"We do everything we can to minimise the dangers and to ensure our patrols put their own safety and that of drivers and passengers first.
"But in light of the recent fatalities, we now urgently need the Government to work with us to raise awareness of the issue among drivers and to promote a 'slow down, move over' message.
"This must be backed by a high-profile publicity campaign and a change to the Highway Code."
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AA president Edmund King added: "Between our organisations we have seen too many near misses and too many fatalities caused by this problem. That needs to change quickly.
"'Slow down, move over' is not a difficult request, but this simple act of kindness will make a world of difference to vulnerable drivers, patrols and road workers alike."
Damon Jowett, Green Flag Head of Service Delivery stated: "While this is a positive step in enabling road users to get to their destination more easily, rule changes and greater awareness is needed to ensure roadside recovery workers on all roads - including motorways and main carriageways - are not left even more vulnerable."