AAA Western and Central New York is pleased to announce its Drivers of the Year based on accomplishments from the 2021 calendar year. Also known as the Marty Taylor Recognition Award, in honor of a AAA tow technician who was killed in the line of duty by a driver who failed to Slow Down, Move Over, the awards are presented annually to AAA technicians in each of two fleet operations – Western New York and Central New York. The associates must exhibit outstanding customer service skills, an impeccable safety record, and a commitment to teamwork. 

Debbie Taylor, widow of the award’s namesake who works for AAA in Central New York, presented the recognition. Marty Taylor was a AAA tow technician who was killed on the roadside on Route 690 in Syracuse while performing a vehicle recovery 17 years ago. He is greatly missed. Marty’s legacy lives on in AAA Western and Central New York’s commitment to operational excellence and raising awareness of the “Slow Down, Move Over” campaign.

The New York State Police were in attendance for the event. “Drivers are required to slow down when they see an emergency vehicle on the roadside, and when it’s safe to do so, they must move over to protect roadside workers, police and other emergency personnel,” said NYS Police Trooper James O’Callaghan, PIO, Troop A. “Unfortunately, we continue to respond to incidents where drivers failed to slow down or move over.”

A recent survey by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that 42 percent of drivers, who admit to breaking the Move Over law, say they didn’t realize the behavior was dangerous to roadside workers. There is an effort in New York to extend the law to civilians, which would require drivers to slow down, well below the speed limit, and, if possible, change lanes to avoid disabled vehicles at the roadside. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimates that 566 people are killed and more than 14,000 injured annually when dealing with a disabled vehicle at the roadside.

“An average of 23 tow operators are killed at the roadside in this country every year, that’s one service provider, on average, killed in the line of duty every other week,” said Steve Steinmetz, Director of Automotive Services for AAA Western and Central New York. “Roadside deaths can be avoided if drivers slow down and move over to give workers a safety zone.”

This year, two technicians and two senior technicians were recognized for their safety accomplishments.

Western New York:
Jeff Luxon, Sr. Roadside Technician of the Year, Jeff began his career with AAA Western New York Fleet Operations in September 2010 and has been rescuing stranded motorists ever since. Jeff’s commitment to his craft is shown daily in his work ethic and safety. He was named Technician of the Month six times in 2021 and responded to 1,309 road service requests with zero safety violations.

Eric Rogers, Roadside Technician of the Year, Eric began his career with AAA Western Fleet Operations in December 2017. A true team player, he also serves as a mentor driver to help train new hires. Eric is a key player in process improvement, continually testing new products, tools and procedures. He completed 2,134 road service requests in 2021 with zero safety violations. Eric lives in East Aurora, and this is his second consecutive annual award.

Central New York:
Chris Merrill, Sr. Roadside Technician of the Year, Chris began his career with AAA Central Fleet Operations in November 2014. He demonstrates exceptional knowledge and technical skills, and there is no situation that Chris cannot handle to assure total member satisfaction daily. Chris is a strong supporter of the Slow Down, Move Over law. He completed 1,653 road service requests in 2021 with zero safety violations and no member complaints. 

James Malelis, Roadside Technician of the Year, James began his career with AAA Central Fleet Operations in March 2010. His positive attitude is infectious, continually receiving accolades from members and teammates and his commitment to safety is without compromise. James, who lives in Clay, completed 2,165 road service requests in 2021 with zero safety violations or complaints. This is his second consecutive annual award.

To learn more about AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety’s research and traffic safety advocacy, go to aaafoundation.org.