Move over, slow down to keep emergency roadside workers safe

Every year, there are more than 128,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin. Each crash impacts the safety of other travelers and our state’s emergency responders – representing fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and towing and transportation services. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) urges drivers to move over or slow down for flashing lights on the side of the road to keep first responders safe. Governor Tony Evers proclaimed November 18-22, 2024 as Crash Responder Safety Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the risks first responders face on duty.

“Wisconsin’s emergency responders work tirelessly to save lives and keep our roads safe,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We recognize all responders this week but our commitment to safety must be 24/7 on our roads. Together we can help keep them safe too, every time we get behind the wheel. Always eliminate distractions, mind your speed and watch for roadside incidents.”

Over the past five years, 60 emergency responders were struck and injured by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in Wisconsin.

Nationwide, 32 emergency responders were struck and killed by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in 2023.

The Wisconsin State Patrol’s November Law of the Month coincides with Crash Responder Safety Week to help drivers understand the laws that protect first responders. Motorists should implement these tips to keep responders safe:

• Move over or slow down if you see an emergency vehicle’s flashing lights. It’s required by law.
• Put the phone down. State law bans the use of handheld cell phones when passing through an emergency response area, which is defined as 500 feet surrounding an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
• If you can “Steer It, Clear It”. If your vehicle is drivable and there are no injuries, you should move your vehicle to the shoulder or nearby safe place off the road before calling 911. This effort keeps traffic flowing and better ensures the safety for you, responders and other drivers.
• Plan ahead. Know before you go with 511wi.gov for updates on road conditions and incidents.
• Read more safe driving tips.

“Crash responders have a critical responsibility on our roads,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Their job carries significant risk as they work alongside traffic, often where vehicles are at highway speeds. We ask drivers to be respectful and move over to create a safety zone for crash responders. Small actions can save lives.”

Traffic Incident Management training

Wisconsin is a national leader in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training, which provides consistent training on crash scene management. The training focuses on safety and effectiveness in managing roadside incidents, while standardizing operations and communication across agencies. Nearly 60% of Wisconsin’s nearly 40,000 responders have received TIM training. WisDOT is committed to expanding TIM training to more first responders across the state.

Roadside assistance

Timely and proactive roadside assistance can make a major difference for highway safety. Wisconsin is among a number of states that organizes highway safety patrol operations to clear traffic incidents, move disabled vehicles and manage other traffic hazards.

• WisDOT’s Safety Patrols, sponsored by GEICO, work in partnership with towing companies and law enforcement to clear crashes, break downs, and roadway debris in work zones and high-congestion corridors. It is a free service offered in select coverage areas statewide, including Brown, Columbia, Juneau, Milwaukee and Outagamie counties.
• The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Freeway Service Team (FST) program is staffed with uniformed officers who work in close cooperation with towing and recovery contractors. The FST patrols US 12/18 (Beltline) from I-39/90 to Old Sauk Road in Madison from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The FST also assists with operation of the Flex Lane in Madison.

This year’s awareness efforts include message boards on Wisconsin highways, a WisDOT social media campaign, and an interactive quiz on the Move Over Law. The lighting of the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee this week will also recognize Crash Responder Safety Week.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.