Drivers Reminded To Be Aware Of Workers On The Road

State officials are asking drivers to be aware of their role in keeping roadside responders safe.  

The West Virginia Governor’s Highway Safety Program (GHSP) is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and emergency response agencies across the state to observe Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW) from Nov. 2–6, 2026. 

Traffic incident responders include law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services (EMS), highway maintenance, towing and recovery, and public works. They put their lives on the line to aid crash victims, secure hazardous scenes, and quickly clear incidents to prevent secondary crashes.   

Roadside responders across the nation are killed or suffer life-altering injuries in the line of duty every year due to distracted, speeding, or impaired drivers.  

“Our traffic incident responders answer the call in all conditions on roadways across West Virginia,” Jack McNeely, director of the GHSP, said. “When emergency personnel are working on the roadside, they deserve our full attention and respect. Every driver has a responsibility to slow down, move over, and stay alert so these dedicated men and women can return home safely to their families at the end of their shift.” 

Drivers are reminded to slow down and move over when approaching stationary emergency or public safety vehicles per state law. Drivers are also advised to avoid distractions by putting down their cell phones and to expect the unexpected on the roads.    

More information on Crash Responder Safety Week is available here.