During Crash Responder Safety Week, let’s all help keep our first responders safe

Imagine this situation: You’re involved in a crash and your car is no longer operable. You and the other driver need to get to the shoulder of the highway, but cars and trucks are whizzing past. 

In situations like these, ADOT crew members, law enforcement, emergency medical personnel and tow truck drivers put their lives on the line to assist motorists who are stranded or involved in collisions. 

I’m grateful for all first responders, including ADOT’s Incident Response Unit, sponsored by GEICO, and our maintenance crews, who do the important work of keeping Arizona motorists safe when incidents occur on state highways. 

So, during Crash Responder Safety Week (Nov. 17-21), I urge motorists to help us help you — slow down and move over when you see flashing lights on the side of the road. 

Give our first responders the space they need to do their work, and stay alert when driving past the scene of a crash or other incident. 

We all have a responsibility to keep our first responders and other drivers safe so we can make it to our destinations. Let’s all do our part.