This week marks Crash Responder Safety Week, a national effort to improve roadway safety for traffic incident responders.
The initiative encourages drivers to modify their behavior to prevent accidents and to participate in life-saving training programs.
According to the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC), roadway responders across disciplines face significant risks while working to clear traffic incidents.
In a new video, NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch emphasized the need for awareness: “Nearly every week, a responder is killed working a roadway incident to keep us safe.
£In fact, nearly 200 responders have been killed while clearing roadway incidents since 2021, and many more responders have sustained life-altering injuries.”
The NVFC and other organizations remind drivers to follow “Slow Down, Move Over” laws, which are in effect in all U.S. states.
These laws require motorists to slow down and switch lanes when approaching active roadway incidents.
The NVFC has issued a call for widespread driver education during Crash Responder Safety Week.
Hirsch urged road users to stay alert and reduce their speed: “Stay mindful. Responders are first on the line to protect us, so their safety deserves to be the first on our minds when driving.”
Drivers are encouraged to share stories of positive interactions with responders using the hashtag #CRSW on social media to spread awareness.
This outreach aims to highlight the challenges responders face and encourage public appreciation for their work.
The NVFC also emphasized the importance of preparedness for responders themselves, recommending free traffic incident management training through the Federal Highway Administration.
Crash Responder Safety Week also highlights the need for adherence to driver removal laws in many states.
These laws obligate drivers involved in minor accidents to move vehicles to the roadside to reduce hazards.
Hirsch emphasized the importance of compliance: “Reducing our speed as we proceed can significantly reduce the risk of death and injury to our responders.”
The NVFC notes that when these rules are followed, risks to responders decrease significantly.
The NVFC continues to advocate for both drivers and responders to prioritize safety during roadway incidents.
Drivers are reminded that small actions—slowing down, staying alert, and moving over—can save lives.
The NVFC encourages traffic incident responders to take advantage of available safety resources.
The free National Traffic Incident Management Responder Training from the Federal Highway Administration is one such tool designed to reduce risks during roadway operations.
“On behalf of the National Volunteer Fire Council, thank you for listening to this message and helping keep our responders safe,” Hirsch concluded.
Crash Responder Safety Week, supported by the NVFC, aims to raise awareness about the risks faced by traffic incident responders and encourage safer driver behavior.
NVFC Chair Steve Hirsch highlighted the alarming statistics of responder fatalities, with nearly 200 deaths since 2021.
The initiative stresses the importance of compliance with “Slow Down, Move Over” laws and driver removal laws.
The NVFC also calls on responders to utilize free safety training through the Federal Highway Administration.
Public outreach, including the #CRSW campaign, is central to spreading awareness.
The week’s efforts seek to create safer environments for responders and improve roadway safety for all.
