Caltrans District 2 is amplifying its focus on roadway safety by launching an extended Crash Responder Safety Campaign throughout November, urging drivers to “Protect Those Who Protect You.”
The campaign, which coincides with the Federal Highway Administration’s Crash Responder Safety Week from November 17th through the 21st, highlights the daily risks faced by personnel who clear crashes, assist motorists, and keep traffic moving.
These essential responders include Caltrans crews, California Highway Patrol officers, tow truck operators, emergency medical services, and firefighters.
A Critical Call to Action
Tragically, crash responders are often struck, injured, or killed by passing vehicles each year. Caltrans District 2 is putting a human face on this issue, emphasizing that the men and women on the roadside simply want to make it home safely to their families.
“Every time our crews or any crash responders are on the side of the highway, they’re trusting drivers to do the right thing,” said District 2 Director, Dave Moore. “By simply slowing down and moving over, motorists can help save lives.”
Multi-Platform Awareness Efforts
To drive this critical message home, Caltrans District 2 is utilizing several communication channels throughout the month:
Collaborative Video: A video featuring representatives from CHP, local fire and EMS agencies, Caltrans, and a tow truck operator will share perspectives and collectively remind drivers to slow down and move over.
Social Media: Posts will showcase local crash responders, safety reminders, and highlight ways the public can help prevent secondary collisions.
Radio Advertisements: Messages from the crash responders themselves will be broadcast, urging drivers to stay alert and drive safely near emergency and maintenance scenes.
“‘Protect Those Who Protect You’ is more than just a slogan, it’s a reminder that every responder you see on the side of the road is someone’s coworker, friend, or family member,” commented Stacey Barnes, Deputy District Director of Maintenance and Operations for District 2.
“We all share the responsibility to make sure they get home safely by slowing down and moving over.”
The Move Over Law
CRSW is part of a larger national effort to improve responder and motorist safety and reduce secondary crashes. The campaign strongly emphasizes adherence to the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to either move over or significantly slow down when approaching any vehicle with flashing lights on the roadside.
Motorists are also encouraged to plan ahead using tools like QuickMap, which provides real-time traffic updates to help travelers avoid areas where responders may be working.
