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This is Crash Responder Safety Week, so the International Association of Fire Fighters is urging the public to use extreme caution while driving near traffic accidents.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, this initiative is designed to raise public awareness and help keep firefighters, other first responders, and the public safe.
Firefighters and paramedics work to save lives at traffic incident scenes as swiftly and safely as possible. Too often, this dangerous work leads to tragedy, claiming the life of nearly one first responder each week in the United States. Many more sustain life-altering injuries while responding to traffic accidents.
The IAFF urges the public while driving to protect themselves and responders by slowing down, moving over and staying alert when approaching traffic incidents.
"Firefighters and other emergency responders are the first on the scene to road all accidents, risking their safety to provide life-saving care. We ask the public to do their part by using extra caution and care around all traffic incidents," IAFF General President Edward Kelly said in a news release.
Responders are also encouraged to stay updated on best practices for staying safe. This weeklong national event promotes Slow Down, Move Over law awareness for motorists and free Traffic Incident Management training for responders.
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation had a similar message as Gov. Tony Evers proclaimed Nov. 13-17 as Crash Responder Safety Week.
Wisconsin has more than 132,000 crashes every year, WisDOT stated in a news release. Law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS crews and tow truck drivers are often the first to respond to help.
"Every driver can have a substantial impact on the safety of our crash responders who put themselves at risk each time they respond to an incident. These workers are someone's loved one -- a mother, father, sibling or neighbor. Please, give them space and slow down so everyone can get home safely," WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson said.
Last year, 326 on-duty workers were hurt and five were killed in crashes across Wisconsin. Those incidents often occur when crews are responding to a crash or other highway incident.
To keep responders safe, WisDOT recommends:
-- Eliminate distractions and pay close attention to the road ahead.
-- Move over or slow down if you see an emergency vehicle's flashing lights. It's required by law.
-- Put the phone down. State law bans the use of handheld cell phones when passing through an emergency response area, which is defined as 500 feet surrounding an emergency vehicle with its lights flashing.
-- If you can "Steer It, Clear It." Those involved in an accident in which the vehicle is drivable and there are no injuries should move it to the shoulder or nearby safe place off the road before calling 911. This will help keep traffic flowing and keep the vehicle's occupants, responders and other drivers safe.
-- Plan ahead. Know before you go with 511wi.gov for updates on road conditions and incidents.