I recently wrote in "A Safe Exit" about using the passenger door to exit the cab in case of a breakdown, when possible. As drivers, we can also do our part to help those unfortunate enough to be broken down on the side of the road.
First off, we can move over when safe to do so. A few years ago, I was broken down on the side of the road and was amazed, and quite frankly a little scared, by the number of drivers that flew past me without moving over. Sometimes it even felt like a game of trying to see how close they could get to my truck without hitting it. I know it is not always safe to change lanes, but there were some who had two empty lanes to the left of them and just decided not to move over. I wish I could say they were all four-wheelers, but the unfortunate truth is I can't.
So, what should you do when you can’t move over? Slow down. While it is not always safe to move over, and you shouldn't force your way into the left lane, it is usually safe to slow down, even if it is only to the minimum speed limit. I try to live by the rule "Do Unto Others" and I really didn't like seeing those trucks pass me that close and that fast. It is hazardous and potentially life-threatening. You never know when someone might accidentally get out of that driver's side door or come out from between the trailer and tractor.
Scott's Law, the "Move Over" law, mandates that when approaching any police or other emergency vehicles stopped along the road you must proceed with caution. Change lanes if possible and reduce your speed (see local and state laws for more details). In my opinion, we should be doing this for all vehicles. The good news is, the vast majority of us are. For those that do, thank you for keeping us all safer out there. For those that maybe haven't thought about it, please do. The person on the side of the road will thank you.