November 14-18, 2022 marks Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW). This important observance recognizes the commitment of all first responders, including law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel and tow operators who frequently conduct life-saving operations at the roadside. The safety of these individuals falls into our hands each and every day.
Sponsored by the US 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. A pivotal tool in this messaging is Colorado’s Move Over Law. This law requires drivers to move over a lane and/or slow down when approaching traffic incidents on the side of the road and is imperative in keeping the lives of these first responders safe.
Alarming Statistics
Did you know that nearly every week, a first responder is killed while helping clear a roadway crash? The Colorado State Patrol alone has lost 11 troopers who were struck and killed by passing drivers. Unfortunately, many others have sustained life-altering injuries. This is why the Patrol implements an annual safety education campaign to help Colorado drivers understand the law.
Drivers that don’t abide by the Move Over law commit the crime of careless driving, a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense that can result in up to 90 days in jail and a fine of up to $300.
In addition, the Colorado State Patrol continues to review and implement new technologies, equipment and best practices to eliminate struck-by incidents of their personnel and agency partners on crash scenes. Learn more about our efforts in our latest video highlighting how the Colorado State Patrol is committed to learning, improving and saving lives, especially through our increased efforts around driver and trooper safety.
Watch our video: Learning, Improving and Saving Lives
The Message is Simple
While CRSW is an important reminder to take simple steps of precaution on the roadways, this issue should be top-of-mind with every drive you take, every single time.