MoDOT to Missouri Motorists: Move Over for First Responders

On average, emergency crews working for the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) respond to 5,500 traffic accidents per month. Every year, hundreds of these emergency responders, including fire fighters, law enforcement, emergency medical staff, tow truck drivers, and other employees of transportation agencies are injured or killed after being struck by a motorist while responding to an accident.

To raise awareness of this issue, the Federal Highway Administration declared that this week, November 14th through 18th, is National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week.

MoDOT Traffic Accidents

Engineer Ed Hassigner, Chief of MoDOT, reminded Missouri Motorists in a recent press release to move over when they see first responders on the road. Missouri’s “Move Over” law requires drivers to change lanes and slow down when they see MoDOT vehicles or other first responders with their lights flashing.

When you approach the scene of an accident, it is important to immediately slow down, and give the responders room to work by changing lanes as you approach. Doing so will help ensure the safety of those involved in traffic accidents, as well as first responders and other MoDOT traffic workers on the scene.