Crash Responder Safety Week proclaimed for Nov. 2-6

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) joins partners throughout the state and country this week to urge motorists to move over or slow down for flashing lights on the side of the road to keep first responders safe. Gov. Evers proclaimed Nov. 2-6 as Crash Responder Safety Week and nearly 140 municipalities and counties across Wisconsin are taking a stand to protect roadside workers in their communities. For the past 10 years, Wisconsin has participated in this nationwide effort to raise awareness about the risks first responders face on duty.

“When you see flashing lights on the roadside, move over or slow down. It’s more than a driving rule – it’s a decision that could save a life,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Emergency responders put themselves at risk day and night to help others. These people are someone’s loved one – a mother, father, sibling or neighbor. Please, give them space and slow down so everyone can get home safely.”

Every year, there are about 128,000 traffic crashes in Wisconsin and each crash impacts the safety of other travelers and our state’s emergency responders. Often working just feet from traffic, first responders put their lives in danger every time they respond to a crash. Over the past five years, 72 emergency responders were struck by a vehicle while working on the side of the road in Wisconsin.

“You don’t need medical training to help save a life at a crash scene. Staying alert, slowing down and moving over, when it’s safe, gives EMS crews room to treat patients and helps prevent another tragedy.” Alan DeYoung, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services Association said. “Every driver has a role in getting everyone home safely. Keep your attention on the road, someone’s family is counting on you.”

First responders – representing fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, and towing and transportation services – work tirelessly to save lives and keep our roads safe. Drivers can help protect these workers by creating a safe zone for them to do their jobs. The same protection should be extended to construction crews, maintenance and utility vehicles, and stranded motorists.

“Firefighters and EMT’s are in short supply,” Steve Denzien, Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Association President said. “By refusing to slow down and move over when you see us, you are endangering an already scarce resource. Please keep us safe while we help others – Move Over or Slow Down!”

Laws protect emergency responders

Later this week, the Wisconsin State Patrol will announce the November Law of the Month to help drivers understand their responsibility to protect first responders.

  • Move over or slow down if you see a vehicle with flashing lights on the side of the road. It’s required by law. In December 2025, Gov. Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 54, which adds the same protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or one or more persons attending to the vehicle and visible to motorists.
  • Put the phone down. State law bans the use of handheld cell phones when passing through an emergency response area, which is defined as 500 feet surrounding an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
  • If you can “Steer It, Clear It”. If your vehicle is drivable and there are no injuries, you should move your vehicle to the shoulder or nearby safe place off the road before calling 911. This effort keeps traffic flowing and better ensures the safety for you, responders and other drivers.

“Every day, distractions, excessive speed and reckless driving threaten the safety of our officers, first responders and fellow motorists who are stopped on the side of the road,” Wisconsin State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan said. “When we are roadside responding to a crash, talking with a motorist or helping someone in need, our lives are in your hands. Please give us space and move over or slow down when you see flashing lights or stranded motorists on the side of the road.”

Secondary crashes, which happen after an initial incident, put those involved in a crash and first responders in danger. There have been more than 3,500 secondary crashes in Wisconsin since 2021. In the past five years (2021-2025), 29 people were killed and 1,650 people were injured in these secondary crashes.

WisDOT training program enhances safety

Wisconsin continues to be 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. Effective TIM reduces the duration and impacts of traffic incidents and improves the safety of motorists, crash victims and emergency responders. About 68% of Wisconsin’s approximately 39,500 responders have received TIM training. WisDOT is dedicated to working with Wisconsin Traffic Incident Management Enhancement (TIME) Coalition partners to expand TIM training to more first responders across the state.

“As an active member of the TIME Coalition, the Wisconsin Towing Association would like to remind the motoring public to, move over when possible, or slow down if not possible, while passing emergency vehicles along our roadways,” Craig Goldbeck, Wisconsin Towing Association Board Chair said. “The people working along the road are someone’s father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, uncle, aunt, or loved one. Despite the towing industry’s efforts, on average, one tow operator loses their life in the line of duty every six days in North America. Please do your part to help us all go home safe.”

Swift roadside assistance prevents hazards

Timely and proactive roadside assistance can make a major difference for highway safety. Wisconsin is among a number of states that organizes highway safety patrol operations to clear traffic incidents, move disabled vehicles and manage other traffic hazards.

  • WisDOT’s Safety Patrols, sponsored by GEICO, work in partnership with towing companies and law enforcement to clear crashes, break downs, and roadway debris in work zones and high-congestion corridors. It is a free service offered in select coverage areas statewide, including Brown, Columbia, Milwaukee, Outagamie and St. Croix counties.
  • The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Freeway Service Team (FST) program is staffed with uniformed officers who work in close cooperation with towing and recovery contractors. The FST patrols US 12/18 (Beltline) from I-39/90 to Old Sauk Road in Madison from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. The FST also assists with operation of the Flex Lane in Madison.

No matter if travels take you near or far, drivers are always encouraged to plan ahead and “know before you go” with 511wi.gov or the free 511 Wisconsin app for updates on road conditions and incidents.

Join efforts to promote crash responder safety

This year’s Crash Responder Safety Week awareness efforts include message boards on Wisconsin highways and a WisDOT social media campaign. The lighting of the Hoan Bridge in Milwaukee this week will also recognize Crash Responder Safety Week.

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