Caltrans District 2 is joining the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and traffic safety partners nationwide in recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week (CRSW), November 17-21, 2025, and extending the effort throughout the entire month of November, because this message is too important to share for just one week.
This annual campaign highlights the critical role crash responders play in keeping California’s roads safe and calls on the public to do their part by slowing down and moving over when they see flashing lights on the roadside.
Every day, thousands of crash responders, including Caltrans crews, California Highway Patrol officers, tow truck operators, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters, risk their lives to clear crashes, assist motorists, and keep traffic moving. Tragically, responders are struck and injured, or even killed, each year by passing vehicles.
This year, Caltrans District 2’s theme is, “Protect Those Who Protect You,” helping put a human face on the issue by highlighting the men and woman working in District 2 and beyond who simply want to make it home safely to their families at the end of each shift.
“Every time our crews or any crash responders are on the side of the highway, they’re trusting drivers to do the right thing,” said District 2 Director, Dave Moore. “By simply slowing down and moving over, motorists can help save lives.”
Throughout the month, Caltrans District 2 will be highlighting the importance of roadway safety through several efforts, including:
- A collaborative video featuring representatives from the California Highway Patrol, local fire and EMS agencies, Caltrans, and a tow truck operator. The video puts a face to the people who respond to crashes and emergencies across District 2, sharing their perspectives and collectively reminding drivers of the importance of moving over and slowing down.
- Social media posts showcasing local crash responders, safety reminders, and ways the public can help prevent secondary collisions.
- Radio advertisements featuring messages from crash responders themselves, reminding drivers to stay alert and drive safely near emergency and maintenance scenes.
“‘Protect Those Who Protect You’ is more than just a slogan, it’s a reminder that every responder you see on the side of the road is someone’s coworker, friend, or family member,” said Stacey Barnes, Deputy District Director of Maintenance and Operations for District 2. “We all share the responsibility to make sure they get home safely by slowing down and moving over,”
Motorists can also do their part by planning ahead. Tools like QuickMap provide real-time traffic updates to help travelers avoid crashes and construction zones where responders may be working.
Crash Responder Safety Week is part of a larger national effort led by FHWA to improve responder and motorist safety, reduce secondary crashes, and raise awareness about the Move Over Law, which requires drivers to move over or slow down when approaching flashing lights on the roadside.
