Keep first responders safe on the road

Changes in the rules about how we approach and drive by traffic incidents have met some success in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities associated with roadway incident crashes. But there is still a danger to those who trying to help at such scenes. During this Crash Responder Safety Week, Buckeye State residents are reminded to move over, slow down, avoid distraction and expect the unexpected. For fire and rescue, emergency medical services, highway maintenance, towing and recovery and public works employees, sticking to those rules could be a life-saver. “Anytime you see a roadside worker with flashing lights of any color — #MoveOver or Slow Down! It’s the law,” the Ohio Department of Public Safety said on X Monday. In one way or another, the people risking their lives on our roadways are doing so because they are serving the rest of us. Whether it be road construction crews dealing with distracted, frustrated or just plain lead-footed drivers; or firefighters and police of