As Crash Responder Safety Week begins Monday, the Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police, Highway Patrol Division, remind drivers that state law requires slowing down and moving over for law enforcement and traffic response vehicles.
Governor Joe Lombardo has proclaimed November 17-21 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Nevada, recognizing first responders who put themselves at risk performing life-saving work on roadways, and highlighting the state’s move over law.
Traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for police officers and emergency medical responders nationwide. Last year, 46 roadside first responders were struck and killed while working on United States roads.
Nevada’s move-over law requires drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and move to the far lane if possible when passing an emergency response vehicle with flashing amber lights. The law also applies to the Department of Transportation, Freeway Service Patrol, tow, utility, and other vehicles stopped on the roadside.
Officials provide additional safety reminders for drivers:
- Nevada law requires slowing down and moving over when passing vehicles stopped on the roadside, including road work vehicles with flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights.
- Drivers involved in minor, non-injury fender benders should safely move their cars out of travel lanes to reduce the risk of secondary crashes.
- Keeping up with regular vehicle maintenance, seat belt use, avoiding impaired or distracted driving, and maintaining safe distances from other cars are essential.
- Drivers should check the current state road conditions online or by calling 511 before traveling.
National statistics show that each minute a freeway lane is blocked increases the likelihood of a secondary crash by nearly 3 percent.
To enhance roadway safety, the Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police, along with local law enforcement, fire departments, public works, emergency medical responders, federal highway officials, and private towing and hazardous materials responders, train together through regional Traffic Incident Management coalitions. These coalitions help responders clear traffic incidents safely and efficiently while reducing travel delays.
Since the first coalition was established in southern Nevada, more than 82 percent of all Nevada road incident responders have been trained in safe, quick incident clearance.
Over the past three years, more than 1,200 first responders statewide have received traffic incident safety training. The multiagency training ensures responders can work together seamlessly. More information is available at www.NVtim.com.Â
