Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation for Crash Responder Safety Week and announced a partnership among several New York State agencies to promote roadside safety. The collaboration involves the New York State Police, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority, and Bridge Authority. The campaign aims to remind drivers to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles stopped on or near roadways.
Crash Responder Safety Week takes place from November 17 through November 21, 2025. This year’s theme is “Safety Starts With You — Slow Down and Move Over!”
“We can’t say it enough – when you see police, firefighters, highway workers and tow truck drivers responding to a crash – slow down, move over and stay alert,” Governor Hochul said. “We have zero tolerance for drivers who continue to put our first responders and maintenance workers in harm’s way. Troopers will be out in force during this period to ensure that motorists are being safe and obeying the law.”
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James emphasized the risks faced by those working on highways: “Highways are one of the most dangerous work environments, not only for those who maintain our roadways, but also for those who respond to emergencies. We have heard numerous stories of Troopers, maintenance workers, and other individuals who have stopped to aid a stranded motorist and have been struck by a passing car because it failed to move over when approaching the scene. It’s imperative that motorists remember to ‘slow down’, move over, and keep their eyes on the road. The New York State Police is proud to work with our partners to keep roadways safe for all New Yorkers.”
Throughout Crash Responder Safety Week, authorities will focus on enforcing the Move Over Law in honor of first responders and highway workers injured or killed while managing traffic incidents. In 2024, Governor Hochul expanded the Move Over Law so that all drivers must slow down and change lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle—including emergency personnel, construction crews, tow operators or anyone working along roadways.
Frank G. Hoare, Executive Director of the Thruway Authority said: “The Thruway Authority is committed to keeping drivers safe, and that commitment starts with protecting roadside and hazard workers who risk their lives every day to maintain our highways and respond to emergencies. They are not just workers, they have families and loved ones waiting for them at home just like you. Their safety depends on the choices drivers make. Slow down and move over for all stopped vehicles.”
Marie Therese Dominguez from the Department of Transportation added: “Every day, Department of Transportation crews put their lives on the line to keep New Yorkers safe on the road, and what they ask of the traveling public is simple: when you see a vehicle stopped on a roadway, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER, not only for your own safety but for the safety of others. I thank our partners in law enforcement for their continued efforts – not only during Crash Responder Safety Week but every day of the year – in protecting those who respond to crashes and work to clear our roads as quickly as possible. Distracted driving can turn an already critical situation into a tragedy for first responders, so I urge the traveling public to make responsible choices behind the wheel.”
Dr. Minosca Alcantara from the Bridge Authority said: “We all share responsibility for keeping New York’s roadways safe, especially by following the Move Over Law. The lives of bridge and highway workers, first responders, and all travelers depend on it. The Bridge Authority thanks the New York State Police for their partnership during Crash Responder Safety Week and throughout the year.”
State agencies advise motorists that as soon as they see lights or reflectors ahead—whether from police vehicles or construction crews—they should check traffic around them before slowing down or moving over if it is safe.
Drivers must use caution when approaching any stopped vehicle—including emergency services vehicles or tow trucks—and exercise due care by changing lanes if possible since changes made in 2023 expanded requirements under state law.
The Move Over Law now applies regardless of which side of a roadway a vehicle is stopped.
