Statewide — Slow down, move over, Colorado. On Tuesday, the Colorado Department of Transportation will hold a press conference to kick off Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), urging drivers to slow down and move over for emergency responders. In partnership with the Colorado State Patrol and other safety advocates, CDOT will emphasize the need for all drivers to reduce their speed and use caution when encountering a crash or any flashing emergency lights ahead on the roadway.  Governor Jared Polis has signed a CRSW proclamation, officially designating the week to recognize and promote the safety of first responders working alongside the road.

The press conference will feature a crash scene demonstration with a helicopter landing. During CRSW, CDOT and its partners will raise awareness about the safety of first responders who work in high-traffic environments.

What:     Press conference to launch Crash Responder Safety Week, a staged crash scene, and remarks from state and national leaders.  

When:     Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 11:45 a.m. You will be escorted from the CSP Academy to the CSP Training Facility for a 12:00 p.m. start time. Crash scene demonstration will occur at 12:30 p.m. 

Where:   CSP Academy, Parking lot by front door, 15055 S Golden Rd., Golden. Media will be met at 11:45 a.m. and escorted up to the press event at the Training Facility. 

Who:

  • Colonel Mathew Packard, CSP
  • Bob Fifer, CDOT Deputy Director of Maintenance and Operations
  • Andy Wilson, FHWA Colorado Deputy Division Administrator

Visuals:

  • Flight for Life landing at a simulated crash scene.
  • Crash scene demonstration involving secondary crash with injuries.
  • Press conference with memorial wreaths commemorating first responders who have died.

Why:

  • Each year, emergency responders and highway workers are tragically struck and killed by passing motorists during secondary incidents, which can happen even during scheduled road improvement projects. CDOT collaborates with the Colorado State Patrol and other state and local responder agencies to train personnel in the latest best practices for safely and efficiently clearing incidents from the roadways. Drivers and pedestrians on Colorado roads are urged to do their part by slowing down, moving over and using caution as they pass crashes, construction zones or other areas with responder vehicles present.  

About CDOT

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s mission is to provide the best multi-modal transportation system that most effectively and safely moves people, goods and information. CDOT maintains more than 23,000 lane miles of highway, more than 3,400 bridges and 35 mountain passes. Our team of employees works tirelessly to reduce the rate and severity of crashes and improve the safety of all modes of transportation. CDOT leverages partnerships with a range of private and public organizations and operates Bustang, an interregional express bus service. Find more details at codot.gov.