Every minute of every day, firefighters, emergency medical service, law enforcement, towing and recovery, public works, safety service patrol, and other transportation professionals work tirelessly to clear roadway crashes, debris, and stalled vehicles. These responders also bring life-saving care to those injured. Tragically, hundreds of responders across our nation have been killed while assisting road users in need, and many more have endured life-altering injuries simply because a driver did not slow down or move over when approaching the incident scene.
This November 17-21, 2025, IAFC stands in solidarity with our traffic incident responders and with all who has issued a proclamation designating this week as Crash Responder Safety Week binged.it/4oG0x9v The IAFC is committed to focusing attention on the small, simple actions each of us can take to keep our emergency responders and all road users safe. In observance of Crash Responder Safety Week and its 10-year anniversary, the IAFC reminds all road users that by reducing your speed as you proceed past responders working roadside, you dramatically reduce the risk of death in the event of a secondary crash.
Editor’s note: California State Firefighters Association is honored to help your agency with Community Risk Reduction articles for you to use for your agency’s social media, press releases to local media, cable tv, or presentations to community organizations etc. These articles are intended to reduce fires, accidents, and injuries by sharing these within your community. This week’s article is designated for Flashflood Safety during our summer monsoon months. This article and its content can be used at your discretion at any time you feel is appropriate for your community. Do you need other resources for Community Risk Reduction, or do you have questions on how to best use these resources? Feel free to contact [email protected]
Sam DiGiovanna is a 40-year fire service veteran. He started with the Los Angeles County Fire Department, served as Fire Chief at the Monrovia Fire Department, and currently serves as Chief at the Verdugo Fire Academy in Glendale. He is Director at Large with the California State Firefighters Association, Associate Director for the California Training Officers Association and a consultant for www.Lexipol.com