National Crash Responder Safety Week is Nov. 14-18; Drivers Are Reminded to Move Over For Stopped Emergency & Work Vehicles

As part of National Crash Responder Safety Week, November 14 – 18, New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti is reminding motorists to Move Over for stopped emergency and work vehicles.

“First responders put their lives on the line every day serving the public. I urge everyone to drive with respect and treat our roadway workers like they are your family,” NJDOT Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “This Crash Responder Safety Week, and every day, when you see emergency personnel and workers on the road, move over—it’s the law! If you cannot safely move over, please slow down.”

To support the effort, Governor Murphy signed a proclamation declaring November 14 – 18 as National Crash Responder Safety Week in New Jersey.

The goal is to help bring awareness to crash responder safety and the dangers of failing to abide by laws established to protect first responders and motorists at crash scenes.

The New Jersey Move Over Law (New Jersey Statute 39:4-92.2) requires motorists to move over at least one lane if safe. Otherwise, a driver must slow down to provide a safer work environment for all first responders, authorized emergency vehicles, and workers on New Jersey roads.

New Jersey is a leading state in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) Responder Training provided by NJDOT. It brings police, firefighters, medical personnel, transportation, towing, and other incident responders together to engage in interactive, hands-on incident resolution exercises. 

In New Jersey, more than 23,000 first responders have completed NJDOT’s TIM training.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has recognized NJDOT for TIM Training Best Practices related to the creation of training videos and NJDOT’s comprehensive website, NJTIM.org. 

NJDOT created a series of public service announcement videos like this one with first responders designed to educate the public about the importance of Moving Over for stopped emergency and work vehicles

The TIM training program focuses on response efforts that protect both motorists and responders at the scene of a crash while minimizing the impact on traffic flow.

Multiple agencies working together is a critical factor to safely and quickly responding to and clearing incidents. This year a total of 41 responders have been struck and killed nationally while working in or near moving traffic.

For information about New Jersey’s Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program, or for responders looking to receive this free training, visit NJTIM.org.