First responders kick off Crash Responder Safety Week. (Jake Slebodnick/News Talk 780 KOH)
(Reno, NV) — Law enforcement agencies in Northern Nevada are spreading the importance of moving over when approaching crash scenes.
On Monday, Nevada Highway Patrol, along with Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, NDOT and Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, gathered at the Hamill Lane barracks to kick off “Crash Responder Safety Week.” The multi-day inititative aims to spread awareness to drivers as they approach crash scenes on state roads.
Governor Lombardo has proclaimed the week of Nov. 17 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Nevada, recognizing the first responders who place themselves in danger while performing valuable, life-saving work on Nevada’s roadsides, and reminding Nevada drivers of the state’s move over law.
Traffic incidents are the primary cause of death for police officers and emergency medical responders nationwide, with 46 roadside first responders struck and killed last year on the nation’s roads.
Nevada’s move over law is aimed at keeping first responders and others safe on the road. The law requires drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and move to the far lane if possible when passing an emergency response vehicle working on the side of the road with amber lights flashing. The law also requires drivers to do the same for NDOT, Freeway Service Patrol, tow, utility and other vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
