‘Responders Ahead! Reduce Your Speed As You Proceed’

Published: Nov 19, 2024

Date: November 19, 2024
District: Caltrans Headquarters
Contacts:Wayne Wilson: Caltrans (916) 956-0633
Tim Weisberg: OTS (916) 708-5128
Jaime Coffee: CHP (916) 843-3310
Chris Orrock: DMV (916) 657-6437

Statewide Call to Action During Crash Responder Safety Week

Sacramento - Caltrans, the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) joined together today as part of Crash Responder Safety Week to remind drivers to move over when safe to do so and slow down near traffic incidents and work zones to prevent serious injuries and deaths on California's roadways.

California's Move Over law requires drivers to move over a lane when safe to do so, and slow down when approaching stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles. This week recognizes that the public's health, safety, and well-being are often dependent on the commitment of first responders to conduct invaluable and often life-saving operations on the side of our roads. When first responders report to an incident, that is a work zone.

According to the National Safety Council, 891 people were killed and 37,701 were injured in work zone crashes in 2022 across the country. During the same period, more than 10,000 work-zone crashes occurred on California roadways, resulting in 117 fatalities and more than 4,500 injuries. While all 50 states have "Move Over" laws to protect roadway workers, one-third of the public are not aware of the law.

"Safety is our top priority," said Caltrans Director Tony Tavares. "We are asking drivers that when near work zones, please slow down, pay attention and move over when you see flashing responder lights. There's no excuse to speed and drive recklessly. Make the conscious decision to protect yourself, loved ones, fellow travelers and vulnerable highway workers."

For more from Director Tavares about the importance of practicing safe driving habits, please view the video below: