National Crash Responder Safety Week is underway, and the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police want you to slow down.
The event runs from November 18 through November 22, and serves as a reminder to slow down and move over for first responders, for the safety of everyone involved.
Officials say that traffic accidents are the leading cause of death in the U.S. for police officers and emergency personnel, with 45 first responders killed last year on the country's roads.
NDOT and NSP offer the following driving safety reminders to keep first responders and you safe on the roads:
- For safety, Nevada law has long required drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and if possible, move to the far lane when passing a vehicle(s) pulled over on the side of the road. This includes NDOT and other road work vehicles with flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights on.
- Nevada law also requires drivers involved in minor, non-injury fender benders to safely move their vehicle out of the travel lanes when possible, helping reduce the chance of secondary crashes for themselves and other drivers.
- Keep your car in good condition, including routine maintenance and checks.
- Always buckle up. Never drive impaired or while sleepy or distracted.
- Drive attentively, not aggressively. Continually scan the road ahead of you to be prepared.
- Do not speed. Space your vehicle far enough from other cars so you have time to avoid potential crashes.
- Keep updated on current state road conditions by logging onto nvroads.com or dialing 511 before driving.
Governor Lombardo proclaimed the week as Crash Responder Safety Week in Nevada, recognizing the first responders in the state who perform this valuable, life-saving work on Nevada's roads.
