Crash Responder Safety Week, Nov. 18-22, highlights the critical need for drivers to slow down, move over and protect first responders working in hazardous roadside situations. Police1’s coverage provides strategies, essential tools and expert insights focused on law enforcement safety and public awareness.
Eradicating dangers and deaths on highways may seem like an impossible challenge, but the right data and analytics can help law enforcement agencies and states work together to achieve it
SLOW DOWN, MOVE OVER
As law enforcement officers continue to be killed on our nation’s roadways, we must continue to message about the importance of “Move Over” laws
How a Texas department enhanced officer traffic safety and accountability after two of its officers were struck and killed by passing vehicles
A reporter being hit by a vehicle during a live news report highlighted the danger of working near roadway incidents – a danger that proved fatal for two LEOs this past week
Virginia patrol officer’s dashcam video is another reminder that traffic stops can go from routine to life-threatening in the blink of an eye
When you hit the lights and pull over what can only be described as a heavily fortified defensive position on wheels, don’t just approach blind
The passenger side contact remains an essential strategy for officer safety, but recognizing its limitations can enhance the odds in the officer’s favor
OFFICER SAFETY MUST-KNOWS
Fifty years ago I was taught that the right-side approach on a traffic stop is the safest – and that message is just as relevant for recruits today
These programs help to reduce traffic congestion as a result of collisions, while increasing officer safety on the roadways
LEOs rank among the highest number of “struck-by” fatalities of any responders. Could helmets be one answer to this safety crisis?
The data speaks for itself
At high-risk roadway incidents, reduce your risk by maximizing time, distance and shielding
A simple shift in mindset to help officers avoid and survive while working a highway crash
Combine hazmat principles with high-visibility vests, traffic cones, scene lighting and personal lighting devices to reduce MVC scene risks
IN THE NEWS
The report states that 147 officers lost their lives while serving in 2024, up from 118 in 2023; traffic-related fatalities saw the largest increase, rising by 48%
After spike strips failed, Idaho Springs Police Department and Colorado DOT snowplows worked together to block all lanes of I-70, forcing the suspect to surrender
After being pulled over, the driver told the Claycomo Police officer that he didn’t realize he was going that fast because he was playing an unidentified video game
An SUV rear-ended another car, careened into the Road Ranger’s truck, which hit a FHP cruiser that then struck the 28-year-old FDOT worker
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office cruiser, which had its emergency lights on, was parked behind a disabled vehicle when it was struck from behind
“The picture is horrific, and we are so grateful tonight that our officer is expected to be okay...Please — stop drinking and driving,” the Commerce City PD stated
The suspect led Moffat County Sheriff’s Office deputies on a high-speed pursuit, driving into oncoming traffic before being apprehended
“This isn’t a fender bender. This is a full-size pickup truck. The back half of it completely gone,” St. Lucie County Sheriff Keith Pearson said
A total of 189 grants were awarded, with 159 grants distributed among 145 law enforcement agencies in 63 counties and 30 allocated for statewide programs
A trooper was struck by a Mini Cooper while he was investigating a separate crash; the car also hit a private security guard who stopped to help the trooper