Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Recognizes Crash Responder Safety Week

Middletown, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) joins agencies throughout the Commonwealth in recognizing Crash Responder Safety Week, an annual effort to raise awareness of traffic incident responder safety and the need for drivers to slow down, move over and protect the roadway workforce. This year’s recognition runs November 2-6, 2026.

“Whether responding to a crash, assisting a motorist in need or clearing an incident, our first responders answer the call at all hours and in all conditions to keep the Pennsylvania Turnpike safe,” said PA Turnpike Commission COO Craig Shuey. “We are grateful for their dedication and the critical role they play in protecting our customers. Crash Responder Safety Week is an important reminder that every driver has a role in their safety. Slowing down, moving over and staying alert are simple actions that can make a lifesaving difference for those working to protect us.”

First responders play an essential role in protecting those who travel and work along the PA Turnpike. Hundreds of Commission employees provide critical public service at all hours of the day and night. These on-scene personnel respond to incidents on the roadway, supporting everything from disabled vehicles, crashes, fires, medical emergencies and traffic control.

In addition to its maintenance crew members and dedicated Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, the Commission relies on its Traffic Operations Center dispatchers to relay critical information and coordinate incident response. Across the PA Turnpike system, more than a dozen towing companies, more than 100 fire departments, nearly 70 emergency medical services (EMS) and three hazardous materials response companies also play critical roles in keeping the roadway safe.

Recognizing the courageous efforts and critical public service of first responders, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a proclamation officially recognizing November 2-6, 2026, as Crash Responder Safety Week in Pennsylvania.

All 50 states have a “Move Over” laws. Pennsylvania’s law requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to move into a lane further away from the response area, if it is safe to do so. If drivers cannot safely move over, they must slow down at no more than 20 mph below 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. 

Violating Pennsylvania's Move Over Law can result in fines of up to $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. Drivers also face two points on their driving record and potential license suspension for certain violations.

What is Crash Responder Safety Week?

Crash Responder Safety Week is an annual public-safety campaign focused on protecting roadway responders and reducing secondary crashes. In 2026, it runs November 2–6 under the theme “Slow Down, Move Over. Lives are on the Line.”

What should I do when approaching an emergency response area in Pennsylvania?

Stay alert and safely move into a lane farther from the response area. If you cannot move over safely, slow down no more than 20 mph below the posted speed limit. 

How can I identify an emergency response area?

Look for flashing emergency lights, road flares, caution signs or other traffic-control devices marking police, fire, ambulance, tow, utility, maintenance or other roadside response activity.

Does Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law cover disabled vehicles?

Yes. A disabled vehicle is covered when it displays at least two warning devices, such as hazard lights, caution signs or other traffic-control devices, or road flares.

What are the penalties for violating Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law?

Fines can reach $500 for a first offense, $1,000 for a second offense and $2,000 for a third or subsequent offense. A violation can also add two points to a driving record, and certain violations can result in license suspension or higher penalties.

Who responds to incidents on the Pennsylvania Turnpike?

Response teams include Pennsylvania Turnpike maintenance crews and Traffic Operations Center dispatchers, Pennsylvania State Police Troop T, towing companies, fire departments, EMS providers and hazardous-materials response companies.

What should I do after a crash or vehicle breakdown?

For a minor crash without injuries or major vehicle damage, move vehicles out of travel lanes when possible and exchange required information. For injuries, major damage or a disabled vehicle, call 911, know your route or mile-marker location, activate hazard lights and follow responder instructions.

Why are slowing down, moving over and staying alert so important?

These actions give responders room to work, help prevent secondary crashes and protect motorists, passengers and roadside personnel.

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.