Alabama Urges Driver Caution During Crash: MONTGOMERY, Ala. The Alabama Department of Transportation is emphasizing driver awareness for those responding to roadside emergencies during Crash Responder Safety Week.
Repair crews and first responders often work near oncoming traffic, and ALDOT wants drivers to understand the risks involved.
Allison Green, the Drive Safe Alabama coordinator with ALDOT, noted that nationally, 13% of firefighters and police officers killed in the line of duty lose their lives responding to roadway incidents.
Drivers are reminded of Alabamas Move Over law, requiring them to change lanes when approaching ALDOT vehicles, police cars, tow trucks, or any emergency vehicle with flashing lights. If a lane change is not possible, drivers should slow down to avoid receiving a ticket.
Alabama law allows drivers to move their vehicles to a safe place off the road if there are no injuries and the vehicle is still operational.
Green emphasized the importance of this law, stating that crashes occurring in the backup from the initial incident are often more serious than the first crash.
ALDOT encourages not only drivers but also first responders to enhance their preparedness by completing the national Traffic Incident Management training program. The training is available in Alabama for law enforcement, firefighters, Department of Transportation employees, towing personnel, and medical staff.
Crash Responder Safety Week continues through Friday, urging heightened awareness and caution on the roads.
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