DECATUR, Ala. — The Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) initiative, recognizing all traffic incident management response communities, will take place this year from November 14-18, 2022.
This week sets a unique opportunity for the first responder community to make a difference individually and jointly for roadway safety during traffic incidents. Communities across the nation, like Decatur Fire and Rescue, come together this week by teaching each other and the motoring public about our common goal and responsibility for safe, quick roadway clearance.
"So, each year in the United States, there's around 50 deaths in first responders work on roadside incidences," LT. Brandon Sivley of Decatur Fire and Rescue states. "And so, what this week does is it tries to make the communities aware that if you come up on a scene and there are first responders there to not only slow down, try to move over to the next lane, and then, most importantly, get off the cell phone."
Many drivers know the basics like slow down and move over, but there are several other ways you can assure safety for yourself and others:
- Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
- Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
- Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
- Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
- Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
- Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
- Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
- Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
- Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
- Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
- Be patient!
Drivers who are involved in situations such as a crash or car malfunction should also follow a few tips
"So, we try to ask you to get to the side of the roadway," Lt. Sively states." If at all possible, of course, turn on your emergency lights, your flashers, and then try to get safely away from the vehicle. Don't stand next to the road or next to the vehicle. Try to get safely away from it if you can."