WASHINGTON, D.C. — November 17, 2025 — During Crash Responder Safety Week (November 17–21), the National Distracted Driving Coalition (NDDC) and the Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI) are calling on all drivers to take urgent action to protect emergency responders working on our roadsides.

Every day, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, tow truck operators, and safety service patrols risk their lives to help others. Yet far too often, they are struck and injured or killed by passing vehicles, many of which are operated by distracted drivers.

“These responders are out there saving lives, and they deserve to return home safely,” said Jack Sullivan, Director of Training at ERSI. “We need every driver to understand the danger they pose when they’re distracted near emergency scenes.”

Recent research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that 123 roadside assistance providers were struck and killed between 2015 and 2021—a number nearly four times higher than previously reported. Distraction, speed, and impairment are leading contributors to these tragedies. Additionally, ERSI reported 46 emergency roadside workers were struck and killed by vehicles while attending crash scenes in 2024.

“Roadside workers risk their lives to help others and keep our roads and communities safe,” said Robyn Robertson, NDDC Chair and Secretary of the Board at the Traffic Injury Research Foundation USA, Inc. (TIRF USA). “We owe them our full attention behind the wheel because their safety depends on our responsibility.”

To advance this mission, the NDDC has established a new Emergency Responder Safety Subcommittee. The subcommittee’s goal is to provide responders with turn-key tools and materials to help them educate their communities about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of staying safe on the road and at crash scenes. They are developing resources and highlighting best practices responders can use in schools, community events, and with media to promote distracted driving awareness and prevention. Member organizations of the subcommittee include DRIVE SMART Virginia, ERSI, EndDD.org, Faces of Heros, National Association of State EMS Officials, National Safety Council, TIRF USA, Virginia Department of Fire Programs and VFIS.

Despite Slow Down, Move Over laws existing in every state, recent research from AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety finds that many drivers still misunderstand or overlook their responsibility to reduce speed and change lanes when approaching roadside responders or disabled vehicles. This lack of awareness continues to put workers, crash victims, and stranded motorists at risk.

Slow Down, Move Over: Safety tips for drivers (Adapted from TIRF)

• Pay attention to your surroundings to ensure a clear path of travel for fire, paramedic and police services.
• Allow emergency vehicles to pass by giving them a clear path by moving to the closest roadside edge.
• Pay attention to what other drivers are doing and do the same to provide a clear path of travel.
• If at a traffic light, and you can’t move, put your emergency flashers on. This lets emergency vehicle drivers know you plan to stay still and can then safely move around you.
• When passing a roadside incident, pay attention to your driving, not the incident.

Drivers should stay alert behind the wheel, especially when approaching emergency scenes. Slow down, move over, and give roadside responders the space they need to stay safe. Your attention can save a life. Let’s protect those who protect us. For more information and resources, visit www.usnddc.org and www.respondersafety.com.

About the NDDC

The National Distracted Driving Coalition was formed in March 2021 to address distracted driving which is a contributing factor to road deaths and injuries. This road safety issue is a priority concern shared by many organizations across many sectors. A diverse cross-section of entities, representing academia, non-profits, government, advocacy, and industry, including insurance, transportation, automotive and technology, have come together to create a National Action Plan to tackle this important issue. Learn more at https://usnddc.org/.

About the Emergency Responder Safety Institute

The Emergency Responder Safety Institute (ERSI), a committee of the Cumberland Valley Volunteer Firefighters Association, is an advisory group of public safety leaders and transportation experts committed to reducing deaths and injuries to America’s emergency responders while working on the roadways helping others. Learn more at https://www.respondersafety.com

Download Social Media

Download the Crash Responder Safety Week Social Media Graphic Package: CRSW2025.zip