As a part of Crash Responder Safety Week, multiple agencies are reminding drivers to be extra careful when passing those flashing lights on the side of the road.
Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District says first responders can be really vulnerable while helping with car crashes, speeding tickets, and anything else on the roads.
Division Chief Jay Cwiak says, "It's kind of like being in front of a gun and having the bullets swish past you. You become very cognizant of the vehicles and everything that's happening around you, and it takes away your attention from the incident at hand."
NDOT says traffic crashes are the main cause of death for police officers and medical emergency responders. They tell us 46 roadside first responders were struck and killed across the nation last year.
Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam says slowing down and moving over isn't a suggestion; it's the law.
And they tend to see more crashes during slick weather conditions.
"It doesn't take a lot of water to make your car hydroplane. So we always see those increases," said Balaam.
Drivers are also required to do the same for any type of roadside assistance vehicles, such as NDOT, Freeway Service Patrol, tow trucks, and utility workers.
