Crash responder safety week reminds drivers to move over, it’s the law
CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO (KBSI) – Crash Responder Safety Week — November 18-22, 2024 — reminds drivers to move over, it’s the law.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers. Law enforcement says you can help prevent this by moving over or slowing down when approaching a stopped vehicle on the side of the road.
Sergeant Clark Parrott, with Missouri state highway patrol Troop E, says when they’re on the side of the road that’s their office.
“We’ve had way too many patrol cars hit this year,” Parott said, “whether it’s the Missouri state highway patrol or other law enforcement agencies, ambulance or MoDOT. So just understand that that is our office and we have families that we want to [return] to.”
Parrott says he knows of at least four troopers in Southeast Missouri who were hit while working traffic crashes.
Just last month on national Move Over Day, one trooper’s patrol car was struck by another vehicle while the trooper was preforming a traffic stop.
Parrot says these accidents are easily preventable. He says, pay attention.
“Any time we see a stationary vehicle with emergency lights activated all you have to do is slow down, and if you can, safely move over to the adjoining lane,” Parrott said.
