In January , a state police officer working a crash scene on I-84 in Farmington escaped serious injury when a passing driver collided with his parked cruiser.
On Christmas Eve last year, a similar incident occurred on I-95 in Norwalk when a speeding driver slammed into fire apparatus while responders tended to disabled motorists.
“These are clearly examples of what happens when drivers fail to Slow Down and Move Over while emergency responders assist others on our roadways,” said Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast spokeswoman.
In the wake of the recent snowy weather, which has created narrow and slippery interstates, AAA Northeast urges drivers to be aware of the state’s Slow Down, Move Over law that requires motorists to slow down to a reasonable speed, and if possible, move over to an adjacent lane whenever they see the flashing lights of emergency vehicles along the side of roads. The law protects police, fire, EMTs, highway maintenance workers and tow truck employees. Drivers also must move over for parked non-emergency vehicles is it’s safe to do so.
“The ‘Slow Down, Move Over’ law means just that,” said Mayko. “And that simple act of slowing down and moving over can prevent senseless tragedies and make the roads safer for everyone.”
On average, two emergency responders are struck daily while working along the nation’s roadways. Over the last seven years in Connecticut, there also have been reports of numerous fatal or near-fatal crashes involving emergency responders. Although not specifically identified as Slow Down Move Over incidents, the UConn Crash Data Repository reports at least 100 disabled vehicle-related crashes have occurred in the state since 2016.
To call attention to the plight of emergency responders on Connecticut roadways, AAA Northeast produced this 30-second public service announcement: CT SDMO PSA