The month of Nov. law declared to improve crash responder safety

WOOD COUNTY--Every year, there are more than 128,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin. Each crash impacts the safety of other travelers and the state’s emergency responders – representing fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and towing and transportation services. The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) urges drivers to move over or slow down for flashing lights on the side of the road to keep first responders safe. Governor Tony Evers proclaimed November 18-22, 2024 as Crash Responder Safety Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness about the risks first responders face on duty.
“Wisconsin’s emergency responders work tirelessly to save lives and keep our roads safe,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “We recognize all responders this week but our commitment to safety must be 24/7 on our roads. Together we can help keep them safe too, every time we get behind the wheel. Always eliminate distractions, mind your speed and watch for roadside incidents.”
Over the past five years, 60 emergency responders were struck and injured by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in Wisconsin. Nationwide, 32 emergency responders were struck and killed by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in 2023.
The Wisconsin State Patrol’s November Law of the Month coincides with Crash Responder Safety Week to help drivers understand the laws that protect first responders.
“Crash responders have a critical responsibility on our roads,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “Their job carries significant risk as they work alongside traffic, often where vehicles are at highway speeds. We ask drivers to be respectful and move over to create a safety zone for crash responders. Small actions can save lives.”
Wisconsin is a national leader in Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training, which provides consistent training on crash scene management. The training focuses on safety and effectiveness in managing roadside incidents, while standardizing operations and communication across agencies. Nearly 60% of Wisconsin’s nearly 40,000 responders have received TIM training. WisDOT is committed to expanding TIM training to more first responders across the state.