Emergency Responders Recognized at Crash Responder Safety Week Ceremony

LINCOLN–(KFOR Nov. 18)–Transportation and law enforcement officials are reminding you this is Crash Responder Safety Week, which focuses on promoting simple safety practices to keep emergency responders out of harm’s way on the road.

The Move Over law in Nebraska is a prime example drivers should follow whenever there’s a crash scene or a stranded vehicle, especially on Interstate 80.

“Celebrating this week brings needed attention to move-over laws and reinforces the importance of Traffic Incident Management training for first responders,” said Nebraska State Patrol Major Jeff Wilcynski.  “Everyday, law enforcement, fire and rescue, EMS, towing services and others work to ensure road safety.”

Major Wilcynski said troopers are seeing more and more people failing to take this action when they see a traffic stop or law enforcement helping a stranded commuter.  So far in 2024, 122 citations have been issued by Nebraska State Troopers this year for driver’s failing to move over.

On November 6, Governor Pillen signed a proclamation declaring National Crash Responder Safety Week, highlighting the essential role crash responders play in swiftly and effectively managing and clearing traffic incidents. NDOT and NSP remind drivers to slow down and, if possible, move into another lane when passing an incident scene. Be patient, stay alert, and give emergency responders the space they need to work. Protect those who protect you, and together, we can make our roads safer for everyone.