MoDOT reminds drivers to stay alert during National Crash Responder Safety Week

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

With National Crash Responder Safety Week starting Monday, MoDOT is reminding drivers of Missouri's "Move Over" law and how to keep both themselves and emergency responders safe when driving near a crash.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, in 2021, 49 people were injured in 168 traffic crashes involving parked emergency vehicles displaying emergency lights. One person died.

In 2023, MoDOT found that more than 136,000 traffic crashes were reported on Missouri roadways that required emergency response.

The Move Over law states that when approaching a parked emergency vehicle with activated emergency lights, drivers must move over, drive cautiously, and allow crash responders to take priority. If unable to change lanes, drivers are required to slow down and stay alert when passing emergency vehicles, including tow trucks that may be at the scene.

The National Operations Center of Excellence adds that drivers should also follow the law for other roadway events, like a stalled vehicle or roadway debris cleanup.