Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently signed a proclamation marking today through Friday as Crash Responder Safety Week in the state, corresponding with a national push to highlight the role drivers have in keeping first responders safe. The proclamation draws attention to the perilous conditions that first responders face, especially those operating Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) HELP Trucks, who have seen an alarming number of crashes and injuries this year. As per the proclamation shared byTDOT, the theme for this year’s safety week is “Responders Ahead! Reduce your speed as you proceed.”
In Tennessee, HELP Truck drivers, serving as frontline workers aiding incidents on busy roads, have experienced 20 significant crashes leading to severe vehicle damage in an effort to assist, according toTDOT. Struck by the irony, dedicated to reducing traffic jams and preventing additional accidents, these responders become casualties themselves, with five HELP Operators injured this year alone. Deputy Governor and TDOT Commissioner Butch Eley emphasized, “TDOT S HELP Truck drivers are our frontline workers and one of our greatest assets, but they aren t always shown the respect they deserve on the road.”
Statistics from this year paint a concerning picture with a total of 93 TDOT vehicles and equipment hit and 18 of those incidents resulting in injuries. A tally, that includes 31 HELP Truck crashes ranging in severity, also includes an impressive 69,889 incident responses from January to October. These numbers underscore the inherent risk present in operating under such demanding circumstances, as echoed by the figures provided by the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP), which report a rise in wrong-way crashes across the state from 1,286 to 1,397 from January to November.
To safeguard these vital workers, the Federal Highway Administration that began CRSW in 2016 highlights the importance of such initiatives, a sentiment clearly shared by the state of Tennessee. A HELP truck driver, being hit by the impressive resolve to protect others, bravely thwarted a wrong-way driver crash in one of the highlighted incidents this year. For those wanting to see the courage manifest, a video of this incident is accessible with TDOT Courtesy atTDOT’s website. This week presents a vital opportunity for both individual and collective action to enhance roadway safety during traffic incidents. We share the important goal and responsibility of ensuring safe roads for all. Let us honor and protect those who protect you by adhering to the law: please move over and slow down,” implores Eley.
Throughout the week, TDOT will be actively promoting CRSW through their social media channels, including X, Instagram, and Facebook, ensuring that the community is both informed and engaged in the effort to ramp up safety measures that protect not only the responders but also the public at large.
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