Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation marking Crash Responder Safety Week and announced a collaborative effort involving the New York State Police, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, and Bridge Authority. The initiative aims to remind motorists to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on or near roadways. Crash Responder Safety Week runs from November 17 to November 21, 2025, with the theme “Safety Starts With You — Slow Down and Move Over!”
“We can’t say it enough – when you see police, firefighters, highway workers and tow truck drivers responding to a crash – slow down, move over and stay alert,” Governor Hochul said. “We have zero tolerance for drivers who continue to put our first responders and maintenance workers in harm’s way. Troopers will be out in force during this period to ensure that motorists are being safe and obeying the law.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James highlighted the dangers faced by those working on highways: “Highways are one of the most dangerous work environments, not only for those who maintain our roadways, but also for those who respond to emergencies. We have heard numerous stories of Troopers, maintenance workers, and other individuals who have stopped to aid a stranded motorist and have been struck by a passing car because it failed to move over when approaching the scene. It’s imperative that motorists remember to ‘slow down’, move over, and keep their eyes on the road. The New York State Police is proud to work with our partners to keep roadways safe for all New Yorkers.”
The week-long campaign will focus on enforcing the Move Over Law in recognition of first responders and highway workers injured or killed while managing traffic incidents. In 2024, Governor Hochul signed legislation expanding this law so that all drivers must slow down and move over when approaching any stopped vehicle—including law enforcement officers, emergency responders, construction crews, tow operators, or anyone else working along the roadway.
Frank G. Hoare, Executive Director of the Thruway Authority stated: “The Thruway Authority is committed to keeping drivers safe, and that commitment starts with protecting roadside and hazard workers who risk their lives every day to maintain our highways and respond to emergencies. They are not just workers, they have families and loved ones waiting for them at home just like you. Their safety depends on the choices drivers make. Slow down and move over for all stopped vehicles.”
Marie Therese Dominguez from the Department of Transportation emphasized daily risks: “Every day, Department of Transportation crews put their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe on the road, and what they ask of the traveling public is simple: when you see a vehicle stopped on a roadway SLOW DOWN AND MOVE OVER not only for your own safety but for the safety of others. I thank our partners in law enforcement for their continued efforts – not only during Crash Responder Safety Week but every day of the year – in protecting those who respond to crashes and work to clear our roads as quickly as possible. Distracted driving can turn an already critical situation into a tragedy for first responders so I urge the traveling public to make responsible choices behind the wheel.”
Dr. Minosca Alcantara from Bridge Authority added: “We all share responsibility for keeping New York’s roadways safe especially by following the Move Over Law. The lives of bridge and highway workers first responders—and all travelers—depend on it. The Bridge Authority thanks the New York State Police for their partnership during Crash Responder Safety Week and throughout the year.”
Authorities recommend that as soon as drivers see lights or reflectors indicating emergency activity ahead they should check traffic around them then slow down or move over if it is safe.
Drivers are reminded they must use caution around any type of emergency or hazard vehicle—including police cars fire trucks ambulances construction vehicles maintenance vehicles—and tow trucks; since 2023 these rules apply broadly requiring due care near any vehicle stopped along either side of any roadway.
