As Missouri marks the 10th anniversary of National Crash Responder Safety Week from Nov. 17-21, officials are reinforcing the critical message to motorists: slow down and move over. This reminder comes in the wake of data indicating Missouri is on the cusp of exceeding last year's number of roadway fatalities. According to MoDOT, honoring those who routinely put their lives on the line along the state's highways is only one aspect of the week. Ensuring that drivers heed traffic laws designed to protect emergency personnel is also paramount.
In an effort to not only recognize their daily heroics but to also curb the uptick in road fatalities, Gov. Mike Kehoe has called upon Missourians to adhere to the state's Move Over law during this critical week and beyond. "Crash Responder Safety Week is not only a time to honor those who protect us on the road, but also to recognize that safe driving choices do save lives," MoDOT Safety and Emergency Management Director Chris Engelbrecht stated on MoDOT website. Engelbrecht points out that the looming increase in roadway fatalities for the year poses a direct threat especially to those responding to emergencies on the roads.
First responders, including law enforcement, tow operators, MoDOT crews, and EMS personnel, encounter significant risks near high-speed traffic daily. These professionals are commemorated for their unwavering commitment to public safety during the annual observance. With stats from the Federal Highway Administration highlighting traffic incidents as a leading cause of death for emergency responders nationally, Missouri's adherence to safety protocols becomes even more crucial.
Last year alone, over 136,000 crashes were handled by emergency responders in Missouri which resulted in over 950 fatalities, as noted by a MoDOT report. The state relies on a workforce of approximately 33,000 trained individuals who respond to thousands of roadway emergencies each month—a daunting task further compounded by the increasing number of traffic accidents. Missouri's Move Over law is an effort to provide a buffer of safety for these workers, mandating that drivers must change lanes or slow down when coming upon stationary emergency vehicles with flashing lights. This mandate reflects a nationwide push, with all 50 states adopting some form of the Move Over law to ensure on-road safety for those who serve to protect.
