The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is urging motorists to slow down and move over to help protect incident responders and save lives. The message underscores this year’s Crash Responder Safety Week theme, “Slow Down, Move Over. Lives are on the Line!” observed November 2-6, 2026. Drivers are reminded to stay alert and give responders the space they need to work safely.
Annually in Connecticut, there are more than 100,000 motor vehicle crashes where responders work close to oncoming traffic. Nationwide, more than 160 crash responders have been killed in the line of duty since 2020. These figures underscore the risks responders face while assisting motorists and the importance of driver awareness around roadside incidents.
“Every driver has the responsibility to help make Connecticut’s roadways safer, including when passing a vehicle stopped along the roadside,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “Taking a few extra seconds to reduce your speed and move over when it is safe can make a meaningful difference in protecting the people working just feet away from moving traffic. We encourage drivers to make these precautions part of their every drive.”
“Traffic can be unpredictable, and troopers working at crash scenes have little protection from passing vehicles,” said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. “Drivers need to pay attention, anticipate changing conditions and give emergency personnel room to work. Staying alert and approaching roadside incidents with caution helps reduce the risk of a second crash and keeps our troopers safer while they assist the public.”
“Local police officers and other first responders often work in close proximity to traffic while helping people during some of their most difficult moments,” said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. “When motorists slow down and move over, they help create a safer environment for everyone at the scene, including responders, crash victims and other drivers. We all share the responsibility of making sure those who come to help can do so safely.”
“So many drivers know that slowing down and moving over is the right thing to do, but too often, speeding, distraction and impairment leave those at the roadside vulnerable,” said AAA Northeast Public Affairs Specialist Adelle Cuseo. “To respond appropriately when approaching first responders, roadside assistance providers, and others working in close proximity to traffic, drivers need be traveling at appropriate speeds, alert and unimpaired. We urge drivers to slow down, move over and help protect everyone at the roadside."
Connecticut’s “Slow Down, Move Over” law requires drivers to slow down and, when safe and reasonable, move over for any stationary vehicle on the roadside, not just emergency vehicles.
Motorists should follow these guidelines when approaching a roadside incident:
- Move over when safe. On multilane roads, change lanes away from the stopped vehicle when it is safe and reasonable to do so.
- Slow down. If moving over is not possible, reduce speed and proceed with caution.
- Stay alert. Watch for responders, roadside workers and changing traffic conditions.
- Avoid distractions. Keep your attention on the road and be prepared to react safely.
Connecticut’s law took effect in 2009 to help protect law enforcement officers, emergency responders and tow operators. In 2017, the law was expanded to cover all stationary vehicles along the roadside. Violations may result in fines, with increased penalties when an injury or death occurs.
CTDOT also offers free Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training to bring together the agencies and professionals who respond to roadway incidents. The program promotes responder safety, effective communication, and coordinated practices for clearing crashes safely and efficiently. To date, CTDOT has trained more than 10,000 participants.
Crash Responder Safety Week is a reminder that protecting roadside responders is an ongoing responsibility. Drivers can help reduce risks every day by slowing down, moving over when safe and remaining alert whenever they encounter a stopped vehicle.
For more information about Connecticut’s Move Over Law, visit the CTDOT Move Over Law webpage.