Work together to protect those who protect us

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) is joining partners throughout the state and country this week to remind motorists that “safety starts with you – move over or slow down” for flashing lights on the side of the road to keep first responders safe. Nearly 50 counties and municipalities across Wisconsin are taking a stand to protect roadside workers in their communities by joining Gov. Evers in proclaiming Nov. 17-21 as Crash Responder Safety Week. For almost 10 years, Wisconsin has participated in this nationwide effort to raise awareness about the risks first responders face on duty.

“Every year, there are about 128,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin and each crash impacts the safety of other travelers and our state’s emergency responders,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We must work together to protect those who protect us. Behind every safety vest and vehicle with emergency lights on is a person who chose to serve their community. When we drive with care – moving over, slowing down, staying off our phones – we return that service with respect. Let’s make sure every responder makes it home.”

Often working just feet from traffic, first responders put their lives in danger every time they respond to a crash. Over the past five years, 73 emergency responders were struck by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in Wisconsin.

“Across Wisconsin, EMS professionals serve our communities and we’re with you, your family, your friends, your neighbors when it matters most,” Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Association said. “Crash Responder Safety Week is a reminder that the simplest choice, slow down and move over, is what keeps us safe and gets our responders back to their families.”

Those responders – representing fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and towing and transportation services – work tirelessly to save lives and keep our roads safe.

“Our firefighters and emergency medical responders answer the call around the clock,” John Breuer, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association President said. “We need drivers to be attentive at all times and give space to our first responders by slowing down and moving over.”

Laws protect emergency responders

The Wisconsin State Patrol’s November Law of the Month coincides with Crash Responder Safety Week to help drivers understand their responsibility to protect first responders.

• 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.

“Crash scenes can quickly become dangerous for law enforcement and other emergency responders when drivers aren’t paying attention near an incident,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “To prevent secondary crashes, drivers must be alert and scan the road ahead. Watch for flashing lights and give emergency responders space to safety do their jobs.”

Secondary crashes, which happen after an initial incident, put those involved in a crash and first responders in danger. There have been nearly 3,600 secondary crashes in Wisconsin since 2020. In the past five years, 38 people died and more than 1,700 people were injured in these secondary crashes.

“When every second counts, safe driving can make all the difference,” Jeremy Desotell, Wisconsin Air Medical Council Board Chair and Director of Operations and Safety at Flight For Life said. “Our flight teams rely on first responders to secure landing zones and assist air medical crews in transporting patients quickly and safely. Careless driving near crash scenes puts responders at risk and can delay lifesaving air medical transports. Please slow down, move over and stay alert to help ensure patients receive critical care as fast as possible.”

WisDOT training program enhances safety

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. Effective TIM reduces the duration and impacts of traffic incidents and improves the safety of motorists, crash victims and emergency responders. Nearly 67% of Wisconsin’s approximately 39,000 responders have received TIM training. WisDOT is committed to working with Wisconsin Traffic Incident Management Enhancement (TIME) Coalition partners to expand TIM training to more first responders across the state.

“Our association and individual towing companies rely on the TIME program to educate operators on safe and effective ways to assist with a traffic crash,” Craig Goldbeck, Wisconsin Towing Association Board Chair said. “Drivers are equipped with hi-vis apparel, traffic cones and signs, reflective striping on trucks and alert systems to notify drivers of incidents ahead. None of these efforts make a difference if drivers are not paying attention. Please move over or slow down to keep us all safe. We want to get home to our families too.”

Swift roadside assistance prevents hazards

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, 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.

No matter if travels take you near or far, drivers are always encouraged to plan ahead and “know before you go” with 511wi.gov or the free 511 Wisconsin app for updates on road conditions and incidents.

Join efforts to promote crash responder safety

This year’s Crash Responder Safety Week awareness efforts include message boards on Wisconsin highways and a WisDOT social media campaign. 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.