On average one law enforcement officer each month is struck and killed while responding to traffic accidents in the United States. It’s Crash Responder Safety Week, and authorities want to remind the public of the importance of awareness. 

Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Crash Responder Safety Week, or CRSW, brings attention to the simple steps everyone can take to keep roadway responders and the public safe around traffic incidents. 

Every time you see flashing lights on the shoulder, someone is doing their job just a few feet away from fast-moving traffic. You can do your part to help keep law enforcement, fire, EMS and tow truck operators safe. Slow down. Move over, as it’s the law in Iowa, and stay alert behind the wheel. These simple steps could save lives including yours.

Every day, law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), public works, transportation, towing, and other responders work roadside to make roadways safe. These traffic incident responders put their lives at risk when clearing each of the 6 million annual police-reported motor vehicle crashes and the broader range of incidents such as stalled vehicles or roadway debris. CRSW takes place annually in either the first, second, or third week in November.

Washington County Emergency Management is hosting a Traffic Incident Management Responder Training, highlighting responder safety, safe, quick clearance, and prompt communication. It is estimated that five firefighters are struck and killed each year at traffic incidents in the U.S., one law enforcement officer each month, and one tow truck operator each week.