Crash Responders Urge Motorists to Slow Down, Move Over: "It's the Law"

JEFFERSON CITY — Every day on Missouri highways, first responders risk their lives within feet of fast-moving traffic. From law enforcement and tow operators to Missouri Department of Transportation crews and EMS personnel, these men and women face danger so others can make it home safely. This week, with a declaration from Gov. Mike Kehoe, Missouri will join the nation in marking the 10th anniversary of National Crash Responder Safety Week (Nov. 17–21), honoring those who protect drivers and reminding everyone to slow down and move over.

"Crash Responder Safety Week is not only a time to honor those who protect us on the road, but also to recognize that safe driving choices do save lives,” said MoDOT Safety and Emergency Management Director Chris Engelbrecht. “As we near the end of 2025, we are at risk of surpassing last year’s roadway fatalities total, which would break the multi-year trend of declining fatalities in our state. While this should be alarming for all drivers, this situation is especially dangerous for our emergency responders and everyone who works on and alongside our state’s roadways. With this in mind – and as we honor our crash responders this week – we continue to ask all drivers in Missouri to slow down, move over and remain alert when approaching an incident.”

According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic incidents are among the leading causes of death for emergency responders nationwide. In 2024, Missouri emergency responders handled more than 136,000 crashes, with over 950 fatalities reported on state roadways. Missourians rely on approximately 33,000 trained professionals, including MoDOT personnel, who respond to thousands of roadway emergencies each month.

Missouri’s Move Over law requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary MoDOT, law enforcement or other emergency vehicles with flashing lights on. To help protect those who protect us, all 50 states enforce some form of the Move Over law. Additional information about Crash Responder Safety Week is available at savemolives.com.