Today, the Colorado State Patrol, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) joined the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to observe Crash Responder Safety Week, which runs from November 17 to 21. The event aims to highlight the state’s Move Over Law and emphasize the need for drivers to slow down and exercise caution near crash scenes.
“We owe our first responders a huge round of thanks,” said CDOT Deputy Director of Operations Bob Fifer. “They are the true heroes on our roadways as they work to save lives at a crash scene. Unfortunately, far too often, drivers aren’t paying attention as they approach a crash scene and cause a second crash. We must all do our part to keep our first responders safe by slowing down and remaining alert. These responders are putting their lives on the line every day.”
Governor Jared Polis has issued a proclamation for Crash Responder Safety Week, officially dedicating this week to promoting the safety of first responders working alongside roads. The proclamation encourages residents in Colorado to remain vigilant, look out for emergency workers, and reduce speed when approaching flashing lights.
To raise awareness about these dangers, the Colorado State Patrol held a demonstration at its Golden training facility today. The event included a simulated crash scene with participation from Flight for Life helicopter services, showing how quickly an initial minor incident can escalate into more severe injuries when secondary crashes occur.
“This week highlights the critical need for motorists to slow down and move over to protect our first responders and roadside workers,” stated Col. Matthew C. Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol. “When you see lights flashing ahead, no matter the color, please create a safe workspace for these people. Crash responders show up for the fender bender to the major collisions to assist those involved and get the road open as quickly as possible.”
Emergency personnel and highway workers continue to face risks from passing vehicles during both incident response and routine road projects. CDOT works with state patrol officers and local agencies to ensure that teams receive updated training in best practices for clearing incidents safely from highways.
Data collected by CDOT shows that between 2022 and 2024 there were 4,775 secondary crashes across Colorado resulting in 259 serious injuries and 43 deaths—most involving drivers themselves. Secondary crashes happen when vehicles collide with an existing accident scene or obstruction on the roadway; so far this year alone there have been 1,152 such incidents leading to 12 fatalities and 59 serious injuries.
Colorado’s Move Over Law requires drivers encountering any stationary vehicle with hazard lights on highways either move over one lane or slow down by at least 20 miles per hour below posted limits if changing lanes is not possible. This law is considered one of the most robust nationwide because it protects not only police but also other emergency responders, tow operators, and disabled vehicles stopped along roadways.
The towing industry remains particularly hazardous; according to data from federal health authorities it is significantly deadlier than other private sectors combined. In Colorado alone emergency crews respond annually to more than 100,000 roadway incidents.
A recent example includes damage sustained by a Colorado State Patrol vehicle struck by another motorist in Alamosa last month.
