NDOT and NSP remind motorists to slow down and move over for first responders

CARSON CITY – The Nevada Department of Transportation and Nevada State Police remind motorists to slow down and move over for traffic response vehicles, including during national Crash Responder Safety Week, held Nov. 18-22.

Traffic incidents are the primary cause of death for police officers and emergency medical responders nationwide, with 45 roadside first responders struck and killed last year on the nation’s roads.

“The Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Division is committed to keeping our roadways safe for all, including motorists and those who are working along our roadways,” said Nevada State Police Highway Patrol Colonel Conmay. “Please slow down and move over for law enforcement, Nevada DOT, first responders and tow truck drivers.”

Driving Safety Reminders

• For safety, Nevada law has long required drivers to slow down, proceed with caution, and if possible, move to the far lane when passing a vehicle(s) pulled over on the side of the road. This includes NDOT and other road work vehicles with flashing amber or non-flashing blue lights on.
• Nevada law also requires drivers involved in minor, non-injury fender benders to safely move their vehicle out of the travel lanes when possible, helping reduce the chance of secondary crashes for themselves and other drivers.
• Keep your car in good condition, including routine maintenance and checks.
• Always buckle up. Never drive impaired or while sleepy or distracted.
• Drive attentively, not aggressively. Continually scan the road ahead of you to be prepared.
• Do not speed. Space your vehicle far enough from other cars so you have time to avoid potential crashes.
• Keep updated on current state road conditions by logging onto nvroads.com or dialing 511 before driving.

Nevada First Responders Train Together For Safe and Efficient Roadway Crash Response

National statistics show that for every minute a freeway lane is blocked, the resulting traffic congestion takes four minutes to clear, and the chance of secondary crashes increases. The Nevada Departments of Transportation and Nevada State Police, local law enforcement, fire departments, public works, emergency medical responders, federal highway, homeland security and transit administrations as well as private towing and hazardous materials responders train together in regional traffic incident management (TIM) coalitions to improve road incident response and roadway safety while reducing travel delays.

Since Nevada’s first TIM coalition was founded in southern Nevada, coalitions statewide have trained more than 79 percent of all Nevada road incident responders to implement consistent, safe, quick clearance of traffic incidents. More than 225 Nevada first responders have been trained in traffic incident safety thus far in 2024. The collaborative, multiagency training help incident responders throughout the state seamlessly work together.  More information is available at www.NVtim.com.

Governor Lombardo has proclaimed the week Crash Responder Safety Week in Nevada, recognizing the first responders who place themselves in danger while performing valuable, life-saving work on Nevada’s roadsides, and reminding Nevada drivers of the state’s Move Over Law.