Traffic Incident Management
Various traffic incident management scenes - heavy traffic after accident, traffic planning, police car blocking road, overturned car on bridge, detour, rescue workers.
Office of Operations 21st Century Operations using 21st Century Technologies

Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) 2023—Friday, November 17, Theme: Slow Down, Move Over

Activities for Friday, November 18 Theme: Driver Education
For Organizations
  • Highlight the Move Over laws in your State. Consider messages that include a local first responder quote or brief video narrative.
  • Publish an article on the importance of the Move Over laws.

Social Media Message Example:

  • During this Crash Responder Safety Week—and every week— protect those who protect you on our roadways. Slow down, move over, and stay alert when passing traffic incidents. #CRSW
  • All 50 States and DC have Move Over laws requiring drivers to slow down and, if possible, move over when they are near stationary response vehicles, but not all Americans know that these laws exist. Know your State’s Move Over law. #CRSW
For Responders
  • Share stories or testimonials via social media that focus on your role in clearing roadway incidents and the risks you take while doing so.
  • Make your community aware of the Move Over law in your State.

Social Media Message Example:

  • One of the things I’m most worried about when wearing this uniform is being hit by a passing motorist. Keeping responders like me safe is EVERYBODY’S responsibility. Slow down, move over, and stay alert when you are driving near incidents. It’s the law. #CRSW
  • As a [YOUR RESPONSE DISCIPLINE], I work roadside to keep all road users safe. This Crash Responder Safety Week, and every week, please respect my workspace by slowing down, moving over a lane, and staying alert. It’s the law. #CRSW
Reference Resources:
  • News Article by Colorado DOT—This article titled, “Motorists Reminded to Move Over for First Responders,” offers an example for other agencies to replicate during CRSW.
  • Maryland expands Move Over Law—This article notes the changes in Maryland’s Move Over law to include all stopped, standing, or parked vehicle displaying warning signals.
  • Move Over Campaign Materials —The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Traffic Safety Marketing site includes sample logos, infographics, banner ads, media advisory, news release, call to action, and a Q&A on the Move Over laws.
  • Move Over Law (Wisconsin DOT)—This 8-minute YouTube video highlights the State’s Responder Safety law and offers three testimonials from police, transportation, and towing representatives.
  • Move Over Law Trooper (New Jersey Government)—This 30-second YouTube video requests drivers slow down and move over, citing the law and the life-ending impact on a police officer.
  • Safety Service Patrol Close Call (Tennessee DOT)—This 2-minute YouTube video from Tennessee Safety Service Patrol Operator David Leake shares his near-miss story and asks motorists to stay alert.
  • Slow Down Move Over (respondersafety.com)—This 30-second downloadable video features EMS, fire, law enforcement, transportation, and towing responders asking motorists to slow down and move over with the message “We’ve got your back. Do you have ours?”
  • It’s No Picnic Out Here (respondersafety.com)—This 30-second downloadable video asks motorists to slow down, featuring EMS, fire and rescue, and police personnel.