Each year across the country, hundreds of emergency responders are struck and injured or killed while responding to traffic incidents. We are observing Crash Responder Safety Week which focuses on teaching everyone that we have a shared responsibility for safely and quickly clearing traffic crashes as well as slowing down and moving over, South Haven Area (MI) Emergency Services posted on Facebook Monday, Nov. 13.
Unfortunately, first responders are still being struck and killed or injured at an alarming rate. In 2022, a traffic crash was reported in Michigan every one minute and 48 seconds, resulting in 293,341 traffic crashes. Emergency vehicles were involved in 2,515 of these crashes, including nine fatal crashes and 324 injury crashes. South Haven Area Emergency Services responds to several incidents on Interstate 196 each year.
Michigan residents can join the effort by ensuring their vehicle is in good working condition, packing a roadside emergency kit, and remaining in their vehicle until help arrives. When driving near an incident scene, Michigan’s Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over, if possible. This law applies to stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights activated, including roadside tow trucks and safety service patrol/courtesy vehicles operated by MDOT. It also applies to garbage trucks, road maintenance, and utility service vehicles that have amber lights flashing.
