State laws protect first responders working on the roads

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The Wisconsin State Patrol’s November Law of the Month reminds drivers of the laws they must follow to create a safety zone for emergency crews on the highway.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsinites rely on the services of approximately 40,000 law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS workers and tow truck drivers. Those first responders depend on drivers to help keep them safe when they’re working on the side of the roads, state officials said.

Pursuant to Wisconsin’s Move Over law, drivers must move out of the lane closest to the emergency and roadside service vehicles stopped along Wisconsin highways when their warning lights are activated. If a motorist is unable to safely move over, the driver must slow down, under Wisconsin law.

As previously reported by the Wisconsin Law Journal, Wisconsin’s unique rules of the roads create both benefits and challenges to the motoring public in comparison to other states.

Wisconsin is the only state in the nation to not criminalize a first-offense DUI.

Also as previously reported, in Wisconsin the left lane on interstate highways is a travel lane, not a passing lane, which can be one source of road rage, state patrol previously told the Wisconsin Law Journal.

According to the Wisconsin State Patrol, drivers also cannot use a handheld phone while passing through a highway maintenance or construction area, in a utility work area, or emergency or roadside response area. Fines double for certain violations in an emergency response area, which is defined as 500 feet surrounding an emergency vehicle.

“These laws are simple, but have a significant impact. Whether clearing a crash, helping someone who’s hurt, or talking with a driver, first responders have a job to do. They need to know they can do that job safely, without fear of being hurt themselves,” said State Patrol Superintendent Tim Carnahan.

Last year, the state patrol says 326 on duty workers were hurt and five were killed in wrecks throughout Wisconsin. Those incidents often occur when crews are responding to a crash or other highway incident, authorities noted.

Officials say a crash scene can turn dangerous quickly for law enforcement, EMS, or fire crews, because of the risk of secondary crashes. There have been more than 4,000 secondary crashes in Wisconsin since 2018. Those involved in a crash and first responders are in greater danger in inclement weather and when other drivers are following too closely or not paying attention to traffic.

Crash Responder Safety Week, Nov. 13-17, 2023, is a nationwide effort to call attention to the risks first responders face on duty. Responders train to manage and clear roadside incidents with a focus on safety, but drivers play a critical role in keeping workers safe. State Patrol says drivers should always scan the road ahead carefully for potential traffic problems or incidents, including stopped emergency responders.