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Considering the role they play, it's critical that firefighters, paramedics and other emergency responders be able to do their vital work at accident sites without having to worry about passing or oncoming vehicles.
So for Crash Responder Safety Week, motorists are being reminded to use extreme caution while driving near traffic accidents.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, this week is designed to raise awareness and help keep emergency responders and the public safe.
Firefighters and paramedics work to save lives at traffic incident scenes as safely and quickly as possible. Sadly, this dangerous work claims the life of nearly one first responder each week in the United States, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. Many more sustain life-altering injuries while responding to traffic accidents, the IAFF stated in a news release.
Michigan in 2025 had a traffic crash reported every one minute and 49 seconds, resulting in 290,221 crashes for the year, according to the Michigan State Police Office of Highway Safety Planning. Emergency vehicles were involved in 2,532 of these crashes, resulting in two fatalities and 330 injuries.
Emergency responders working at a traffic crash or other incident may include any combination of law enforcement, firefighters, emergency medical service personnel, towing and recovery operators, public works and transportation first responders.
Thankfully, crashes involving emergency vehicles and distracted drivers in the state decreased by 7.6% for the year, from 172 in 2024 to 159 in 2025, according to the MSP office. Maintaining that progress remains essential, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's proclamation for Crash Responder Safety Week states.
Nationwide, 36 emergency responders were struck and killed while responding to traffic incidents in 2025, including one responder in Michigan, according to the Emergency Responder Safety Institute. Since January of this year, nationwide 26 emergency responders have been struck and killed while responding to traffic incidents.
Michigan's Move Over law requires drivers approaching stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated to slow down at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and move over at least one lane if safely possible.
This practice helps protect emergency workers by creating a safe zone for them to do their jobs. The same precautions should be taken for construction crews, maintenance and utility vehicles and stranded motorists.
Last December, Gov. Tony Evers signed 2025 Wisconsin Act 54 that extended these protections for disabled vehicles stopped along the road with hazard lights on, emergency devices or flares placed near the vehicle, or one or more persons attending to the vehicle and visible to motorists.
So if flashing lights or other signs of a roadside problem are ahead, slow down, move over if possible and proceed with caution. Don't potentially add to the emergency situation.