Arkansas to Observe National Slow Down, Move Over Day
State officials aim to honor roadside workers like Jacob Allen Marquis ahead of Saturday's national awareness campaign.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Accidents
Arkansas will recognize National Slow Down, Move Over Day on October 17, 2026, to highlight the risks faced by emergency responders. The observance honors victims like 18-year-old technician Jacob Allen Marquis, who was killed while working on I-40 on October 10, 2025.
Why it matters
The day emphasizes the vital importance of the state's move over law, which requires drivers to change lanes or slow down for stopped emergency vehicles. By drawing attention to these recurring tragedies, officials hope to curb the significant number of fatal incidents involving roadside workers.
No arrests have been announced in the death of Jacob Allen Marquis, and the driver who struck him remains unidentified. Anyone with information is asked to contact Arkansas State Police Troop D at 870-970-6082.
The players
Jacob Allen Marquis
He was an 18-year-old technician who had been employed for four months before his death.
Arkansas Department of Transportation
This state agency oversees the maintenance and safety protocols for public roadways across Arkansas.
Arkansas State Police
This law enforcement agency is responsible for investigating traffic incidents and enforcing state safety laws on highways.
The details
Jacob Allen Marquis was working to repair a tire on I-40 when he was struck and killed despite wearing a bright yellow vest and reflective uniform. The state recently launched the Just Move Over campaign in September 2026 to increase public awareness of safe driving practices near disabled vehicles.
Timeline
49 roadside worker deaths occurred in Arkansas between 2015 and 2024.
Jacob Allen Marquis was struck and killed on I-40 on October 10, 2025.
36 emergency responders were killed in traffic incidents nationally in 2025.
The Just Move Over campaign was launched in September 2026.
National Slow Down, Move Over Day is scheduled for October 17, 2026.
Legal Context
The push for National Slow Down, Move Over Day highlights the persistent challenges in enforcing the Arkansas Move Over law. Despite the legal requirement for drivers to move lanes or slow down, the state continues to see fatalities involving roadside service operators.
Drivers in Arkansas are legally required to move to the farthest lane or slow down significantly when approaching authorized vehicles stopped on the shoulder. Failure to follow these safety mandates puts roadside technicians at immediate risk and can result in severe legal consequences for motorists.
The takeaway
The tragic loss of workers like Jacob Allen Marquis serves as a stark reminder to remain vigilant and move over for any vehicle stopped on the highway shoulder. Prioritizing the safety of roadside service providers is a collective responsibility that requires constant adherence to traffic laws.
What happens next
National Slow Down, Move Over Day will be observed on October 17, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local traffic safety initiatives on the Arkansas Accidents section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kait8.
