Grand Island Police Department -

Grand Island, Neb. — This week, the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), in partnership with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), and Grand Island Police Department are recognizing Crash Responder Safety week.

Crash Responder Safety Week, which runs from November 17-21, is a national initiative sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen has signed a proclamation declaring the week in Nebraska, emphasizing the importance of effective traffic incident response, reducing secondary crashes and the critical role of crash responders.

This year, the week’s theme reminds drivers that “Safety Starts With You – “Slow Down, Move Over,” emphasizing a focus on driver safety when navigating around crashes.

“Every crash presents unique circumstances for first responders, but one thing they share is the risk of secondary crashes,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “As first responders provide care for those involved, investigate the crash, and work to reopen the roadway, we rely on the public to keep those responders safe. Secondary crashes are preventable. Give your full attention to the road, slow down, and move over when you approach a crash scene.”

This year’s theme complements NDOT’s participation in the nationwide Traffic Incident Management (TIM) program. TIM is a planned approach that works to standardize how emergency responders detect, respond to and safely and quickly clear traffic incidents. The program promotes best practices for crash clearance, and motorist and responder safety.