Crash Responder Safety Week launched in New York and Virginia

Authorities in New York and Virginia are observing Crash Responder Safety Week from November 2 to November 6. The initiative, themed “Slow down, move over. Lives are on the line!”, aims to educate motorists on protecting emergency personnel, highway workers, and roadside professionals.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul issued a proclamation for the week. The New York State Police, Department of Transportation, and Thruway Authority are partnering to target aggressive drivers. New York law was recently expanded to protect all vehicles stopped on the shoulder of parkways or controlled-access highways, not just emergency vehicles.

In Virginia, the Department of Transportation and State Police are highlighting the dangers faced by responders. Recent incidents have underscored the risks, including the death of a Safety Service Patrol operator in September who was struck by a vehicle while assisting on an interstate. Officials are urging drivers to reduce speed and move over to prevent further fatalities.