Crash Responder Safety Week

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. 

PHOENIX – Imagine that you’ve been in a car crash involving two vehicles, both of which are no longer driveable and remain in highway travel lanes. Cars are speeding past in other lanes and you need assistance getting your car to the shoulder of the highway.

Across Arizona highways and roads, first responders put their lives on the line every time they respond to vehicle crashes to help motorists. They help those involved in collisions and drivers passing by in other cars, by ensuring their safety after an incident.

During Crash Responder Safety Week, which runs from Nov. 18-22, you may notice a traffic safety message about Arizona’s “Move Over” law displayed on our overhead message signs. Arizona’s “Move Over” law requires motorists to move over one lane — or slow down if it is not safe to do so — when driving by any vehicle with flashing lights pulled to the side of a road or highway. 

Every day on Arizona’s highways and roads, the men and women who respond to vehicle crashes with the purpose of helping and assisting motorists put themselves in harm’s way.

From fender benders to major collisions, crash responders are there to assist those involved and help clear the road as quickly as possible for other commuters.

In recognition of these roadside heroes, Governor Doug Ducey has proclaimed this week (Nov. 14-18) as Crash Responder Safety Week in Arizona. The Arizona Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety join in recognizing the job crash responders perform and how to help them stay safe.