Massachusetts Breakdown Lane Driving Raises Safety Concerns

Despite recent fatal accidents, state continues to allow motorists to use breakdown lanes during commutes.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:21pm

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Massachusetts' policy of allowing motorists to drive in breakdown lanes during commutes has drawn criticism for creating a dangerous situation for both drivers and emergency responders. Recent incidents, including several fatal accidents, have highlighted the risks associated with this practice, which is not common in other states. Experts argue that the policy undermines the intent of safety regulations and contributes to a confusing and hazardous environment on the roads.

Why it matters

The breakdown lane driving policy, initially implemented to alleviate congestion, is now facing increasing scrutiny due to a surge in fatal accidents and ongoing concerns about public safety. Critics argue that the practice puts both drivers and emergency responders at risk, and that the confusion caused by the policy undermines the effectiveness of safety regulations.

The details

Despite a recent surge in fatal accidents and ongoing efforts to enforce the 'slow down, move over' law, Massachusetts continues to permit motorists to use breakdown lanes during commutes. This practice has drawn criticism for creating a dangerous situation, with several recent incidents highlighting the risks. In one case, a New Hampshire man was killed on I-93 when his vehicle was struck by a Massachusetts driver using the breakdown lane. Earlier this month, a driver died in Attleboro, Massachusetts, after colliding with a tractor-trailer parked in the breakdown lane on I-95. In January 2025, a driver was killed on Route 24 in Berkley after crashing into a work truck while using the breakdown lane.

  • On March 10, 2026, a New Hampshire man was killed on I-93 in Derry, New Hampshire, when his vehicle was struck by a Massachusetts driver using the breakdown lane.
  • On March 3, 2026, a driver died in Attleboro, Massachusetts, after colliding with a tractor-trailer parked in the breakdown lane on I-95.
  • In January 2025, a driver was killed on Route 24 in Berkley, Massachusetts, after crashing into a work truck while using the breakdown lane.

The players

Gene Boehm

The president and CEO of AAA National, who stated that 'We are still losing far too many roadside heroes in the line of duty.'

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What they’re saying

“We are still losing far too many roadside heroes in the line of duty.”

— Gene Boehm, President and CEO of AAA National

What’s next

Massachusetts lawmakers are currently considering expanding the 'move over' law to include any vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the highway, but some argue this measure is insufficient, as it does not address the fundamental issue of allowing vehicles to travel in breakdown lanes.

The takeaway

The breakdown lane driving policy in Massachusetts has created a dangerous and confusing situation on the roads, with a surge in fatal accidents and ongoing concerns about public safety. Experts argue that the practice undermines the intent of safety regulations and contributes to a hazardous environment, raising questions about whether the state should reconsider its approach to this issue.