Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) is November 14-18, 2022. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration, this initiative is designed to raise public awareness and help keep roadway responders and the public safe around traffic incidents. This year’s theme is Respect Our Roadside Heroes, #RoadsideHeros.
We here at Greater Mercer TMA are proud to be part of this important movement for roadway responders who put their lives on the line every day when they respond to crashes and other incidents on our roadways.
Did you know all 50 states in the US have enacted the “Move Over” laws? Unfortunately, very few Americans know this law exists. That is why it is important to highlight this law to help reduce the statistics and encourage safer driving practices. Fines for violations of the “Move Over” law vary from State to State but can be as high as $500, with 2+ points on your license, and in some States, violation of the law is punishable by jail time as well.
It’s important to remember that when you’re on the road, you need to keep your distance from responders who are helping people in need. If you see an incident, don’t get too close—it’s just not safe for anyone involved! When you see responders on the road, first slow down and make sure it is safe to move over. If merging to another lane is not a safe option, you must slow down well below the speed limit to pass the scene as safely as possible.
Here at Greater Mercer TMA, we believe that everyone has a role to play in making sure roadway responders are kept safe behind the wheel so that they can respond quickly, safely, and effectively when you need them most.
We hope you’ll join us in this important initiative and help keep these hardworking men and women in your thoughts during CRSW!
Check out this 30-second YouTube video that requests drivers to slow down and move over, citing the law and the life-ending impact on a police officer, here.
Resource:
https://transportationops.org/TIM/CRSW#:~:text=The%20theme%20for%20the%202022,calendar%20for%20daily%20CRSW%20communications.