AAA has announced its Drivers of the Year in honor of a AAA tow technician who was killed on the roadside when a driver failed to Slow Down, Move Over.
Every year, AAA Western and Central New York recognizes Drivers of the Year based on accomplishments from the previous 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 award is presented to two AAA technicians in each of two fleet operations – Western New York and Central New York. The honorees must exhibit outstanding customer service skills, an impeccable safety record, and a commitment to teamwork.

This year, the four recipients of the Marty Taylor Recognition Award are Kevin Wheeler and Jarron Wiggins in Western New York, and Allen Walrath Sr. and James Malelis in Central New York (more information on each driver is listed below). Debbie Taylor, widow of the award’s namesake who works for AAA as a dispatcher in Syracuse, attended the award ceremony, along with her son Chris Taylor who shared remarks during the event. Both expressed appreciation for this year’s winners. Marty Taylor was a AAA tow technician who was killed on the roadside on Route 690 in Syracuse while performing a vehicle recovery 19 years ago. 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.

A new law expanding New York’s Slow Down, Move Over requirement took effect earlier this year. AAA Western and Central New York was among the organizations that pressed state lawmakers and the governor to pass and sign the legislation. The law has been expanded to include all disabled vehicles on the roadside, requiring drivers to slow down and, if safe to do so, move over when approaching them to help protect motorists.

Nearly 20 years after Marty Taylor’s death, research from 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. 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.

“This award is a heartfelt tribute named after one of our own, Marty Taylor, whose life ended way too soon in a tragic incident while servicing a member,” said Tony Spada, President and CEO at AAA Western and Central New York. “Only the best of the best earn and achieve this level of recognition.” 
In presenting the Marty Taylor Recognition Award, AAA Western and Central New York spotlighted two technicians and two senior technicians for their safety accomplishments.

Western New York:

Kevin Wheeler, Sr. Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Western New York Fleet Operations in 2011. He serves as a Fleet Senior Technician, demonstrating exceptional knowledge and technical skills to enable total member satisfaction daily. Wheeler, who lives in Lockport, was named Technician of the Month five times in 2023, responding to 1,284 road service calls with zero safety violations or member complaints.
Jarron Wiggins, Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Western New York Fleet Operations in 2015. He is always thinking multiple steps ahead. His work ethic and commitment to safety shine through daily. Wiggins, who resides in Buffalo, was named Technician of the Month four times in 2023, responding to 1,138 road service requests with zero safety violations or member complaints.

Central New York:

Allen Walrath Sr., Sr. Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Central New York Fleet Operations in 2017. He serves as a Fleet Lead Roadside Technician and is a team player who can be counted on to help a fellow teammate in need. Walrath, who lives in Syracuse, was named Sr. Technician of the Month four times in 2023 and completed 1,536 road service calls with zero safety violations or member complaints.
James Malelis, Roadside Technician of the Year, began his career with AAA Central New York Fleet Operations in 2010 and this is the fifth time he has earned the Marty Taylor Recognition Award. His positive attitude is infectious, continually receiving accolades from members and teammates, and his commitment to safety is without compromise. Malelis, who lives in Clay, was named Technician of the Month six times in 2023 and completed 1,667 road service requests with zero safety violations or complaints.