11/7/2018
REMINDER: Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week - media event tomorrow in Jerome
SHOSHONE -- First responders, who play a critical safety role every day in managing traffic incidents in Idaho, are being recognized throughout the state Nov. 11-17 during Traffic Incident Response Awareness Week, as officially proclaimed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter.
These responders help fight rising costs by helping to clear roadways faster and protect drivers.
“These men and women are truly our unsung heroes on the highway,” said Gov. Otter. “They keep commerce in our state moving and ensure we get to work and back home on time. They work all hours of the day and night, and even on holidays to keep our families and loved ones safe. This week, and every week, I encourage motorists to help keep them safe, by slowing down and moving over when you see them doing their jobs.”
Roadway incidents can occur at any time and often require police, fire, emergency medical services, tow companies, and transportation workers. In an emergency, those first responders are critical to the protection of life and reduction of secondary crashes.
They also play a critical economic role.
While the cost of traffic incidents has increased by 85 percent in the last four years according to the American Automobile Association (AAA), responders help to reduce those staggering costs — $6 million average societal cost for a fatal crash, and $126,000 on average for an injury crash. Those costs include lost earnings, medical bills, emergency services, property damage, and travel delays, among others.
Traffic incident responders in Idaho have contributed substantially to the prompt treatment of patients, clearance of roadways, and increased mobility of travelers. Rubbernecking or blocked lanes from crashes account for up to a quarter of all congestion.
Travelers can in turn protect responders by driving engaged and moving over when incident responders are present. Tragically, traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for EMS responders and law enforcement officers.
“If everyone does their part, it will go a long way in keeping traffic moving and ensuring the safety of both motorists and responders alike,” said ITD District Four Safety Compliance Officer Sarah Woolley.
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MEDIA ADVISORY
What: ITD spokesperson Jessica Williams, along with other members of ITD, Idaho State Police, and Jerome City Fire, will be available to talk with reporters about incident responder safety.
When: Wednesday, November 14, 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Where: ISP building - 218 West Yakima Avenue, Jerome
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For additional information, please contact Jessica Williams at (208) 886-7806 or by e-mail at jessica.williams@itd.idaho.gov.