‘Slow down, move over’: Call to drivers for Crash Responder Safety Week

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – First and crash responders on Oahu are asking drivers to slow down and move over when they approach a crash or see crews working along the road.
In commemoration of National Crash Responder Safety Week, which runs Nov. 18 to 22, a group that included Honolulu’s police and fire departments, Emergency Medical Services, and the Freeway Service Patrol, gathered Monday with a message.
“We encourage all motorists to be aware of their surroundings, to look ahead, and to slow down and move over anytime they see any one of our emergency vehicles working at the scene of an incident,” said Capt. Malcolm Medrano with the Honolulu Fire Department.
“While there is a slight delay by moving over a lane and slowing down, that additional 10 to 30 seconds that it’s going to take you to move over and slow down, that’s potentially saving a life,” said Maj. James Slaytor, Honolulu Police Department Traffic Division. “All of these crash responders are risking their lives out there every day to serve the community, and the more you can do to help us, we can do more to help you.”
The Honolulu Police Department says officers respond to at least 70 crashes a day on Oahu alone.
Slayter says if you are involved in a crash and you are on the freeway, take the nearest exit and stop on a side street where it’s safer, so long as there are no major injuries and your vehicles are operable.
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