Governor Hochul Highlights Multi-Agency Partnership to Support Crash Responder Safety Week

New York State Police, Department of Transportation, Thruway Authority and Bridge Authority Partner to Remind Drivers of Roadway and Traffic Safety

Highlights Enforcement of the Move Over Law in Recognition of First Responders and Highway Workers Injured or Killed While Handling Traffic Incidents; Governor Hochul Signed Legislation Expanding Provisions

Governor Hochul Issues Proclamation Recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week – November 17-21, 2025

Governor Hochul today issued a proclamation recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week and announced a multi-agency partnership between the New York State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation, the New York State Thruway Authority and the New York State Bridge Authority to remind drivers to slow down and safely move over for emergency vehicles stopped on or next to a roadway. Crash Responder Safety Week runs from Monday, November 17, 2025, through Friday, 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.”The New York State Police, Thruway Authority, Department of Transportation, Bridge Authority and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee recommend these safe driving tips:

• As soon as you see lights, vests, or reflectors, check traffic around you, SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER if safe to do so.
• Drivers MUST use due care when approaching an emergency vehicle or hazard vehicle including police vehicles, fire trucks, ambulances, construction and maintenance vehicles and tow trucks. In 2023, the Move Over Law was expanded, requiring drivers to exercise due care to avoid all vehicles stopped on the roadway, including by changing lanes.
• The Move Over Law applies to both sides of the roadway, not just the shoulder on the right.