Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Recognizes Crash Responder Safety Week
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Recognizes Crash Responder Safety Week
Middletown, Pa. — During the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s November 19, 2024 Meeting, commissioners recognized Crash Responder Safety Week, a national effort that raises awareness of the important role motorists play in roadway safety during traffic incidents. Recognizing the critical public service, commitment and bravery of first responders, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation earlier this month officially recognizing November 18-22, 2024 as Crash Responder Safety Week in Pennsylvania.
“Each day, responders work to prioritize the safety of drivers on the Pennsylvania Turnpike,” said PA Turnpike CEO Mark Compton, on behalf of the Commissioners. “It’s just as important that drivers understand how to support these responders by staying alert and following the law by slowing down or moving over.”
Pennsylvania’s Steer Clear law went into effect in 2008, and the law was enhanced in 2021 changing the name to the Move Over Law. The law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to Move Over into an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so, or slow down to a speed of not more than 20 mph less than the posted speed limit.
Emergency response areas are indicated by flashing lights, flares, caution signs or other control devices indicating the presence of police, fire, ambulance, tow trucks, utility workers or disabled motorists.
Beyond its own safety patrol, the Pennsylvania Turnpike has various partners who support the safety of motorist along its 565+ mile system through incident responses, including the Pennsylvania State Police, more than 100 fire companies, nearly 70 ambulance companies and 25 different towing companies and HazMat contractors.
As part of the weeklong observance, the PA Turnpike’s Operations Center personally thanked all its contracted service providers on Tuesday.
A national transportation leader, the Pennsylvania Turnpike (PA Turnpike) is the second largest tolling facility in the United States with the most miles. The PA Turnpike proudly supports safety and convenience for its more than 550,000 daily customers through 24-7 roadside assistance, round-the-clock food and fuel at 17 service plazas and a dedicated maintenance force and State Police Troop. The PA Turnpike’s approximately 1,400-person local workforce is unified in its mission; to operate a safe, reliable, customer-valued toll road system that supports national mobility and commerce. For more information about the PA Turnpike’s mission, vision and values, please visit Home | PA Turnpike.
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Media Contacts:
Marissa Orbanek, Press Secretary: (267) 408-5151, morbanek@paturnpike.com
Crispin Havener, Assistant Press Secretary: (717) 870-2841, chavener@paturnpike.com