Crash Responder Safety Week is underway.
The New York State Police are partnering with the Department of Transportation and the Thruway Authority for Crash Responder Safety Week. Running now through Friday, this year’s theme is Responder Ahead! Reduce Your Speed as You Proceed, reminding drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
State Police will focus on enforcing the Move Over Law. The law requires drivers to slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicles along the roadway.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, “Highways are a dangerous work environment for those who fix and maintain the roads, and those who respond to emergencies. Initiatives such as this are imperative to hopefully motivate people the next time they drive — to slow down and move over when they come across an emergency vehicle or maintenance crew on the side of the road. We want drivers to remember to put safety first and that the choices you make behind the wheel can have deadly consequences.”
The New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation, and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee recommend these safe driving tips:
- As soon as you see lights, vests, or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe to do so.
- Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles and tow trucks. In 2023, the Move Over Law was expanded, requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes.
- The Move Over Law applies to both sides of the roadway, not just the shoulder on the right.
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