We aim to better understand how roadside workers and drivers behave in real situations, and what can be done to help improve their safety. This work will explore the actions, decisions, and challenges faced by both groups when tow trucks are stopped on the roadside.

Aim 1: Understand the safety rules that apply to drivers and tow truck workers.
We will review state laws that tell drivers to slow down or move over when they see tow trucks, and also look at the rules that tow truck workers must follow. We will ask police officers across the country what they think about these laws and how they are enforced in their daily work.

Aim 2: Learn what tow truck workers do and what risks they face.
We will talk with workers, send out a national survey, and observe what happens at real roadside scenes. This will help us understand what situations may make their job more dangerous and what can be done to make it safer for them.

Aim 3: Study how drivers act when they see tow trucks on the roadside.
We will survey drivers across the country to learn what they know and how they respond in these situations. We will also use a driving simulator to see how different roadside settings affect their behavior and awareness.