Across the country every year, hundreds of emergency responders are injured or killed while responding to incidents on roadways.

A news release says, in fact, traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for emergency responders who represent fire, law enforcement, emergency medical services, towing and transportation agencies such as employees of the Missouri Department of Transportation. That’s why the Federal Highway Administration has declared the week of November 9-15 as National Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week.

Every year, 200 roadside workers lose their lives in the line of duty, according to AAA. In 2019,

When motorists approach responders or emergency vehicles on the side of the highway with flashing lights, they are urged to move over to allow for room for the emergency personnel. In fact, it’s the law.

A report from the National Safety Commission revealed 71 percent of Americans do not know about their state’s “Move Over” law. Missouri has a “Move Over” law that requires drivers to either change lanes or slow down when approaching stationary emergency vehicle with flashing lights. To help protect those who protect all of us, all 50 states enforce some form of the “Move Over” law.

For more information about MoDOT news, projects or events, visit its website at www.modot.mo.gov or call (888) ASK-MODOT (275-6636).