Roadside Crashes Endanger Connecticut First Responders, Officials Warn

This blog post digs into the real dangers Connecticut’s roadside workers face every day. From transportation crews to tow truck drivers and first responders, the risks just keep piling up—even though laws meant to protect them have been around for years.

We’ve talked to veteran highway employees and public safety officials, trying to figure out why the “slow down, move over” law isn’t working as it should. State leaders say they’re trying to fix things, but honestly, from Hartford to Westport, the hazards are everywhere, and the stakes are high.

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Roadside Work: A Daily Risk Across Connecticut

Bert Jameson works for the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT). He still remembers the crash that almost killed him on I-84 five years ago.

An 18-wheeler slammed into the crash unit meant to protect his crew. Jameson survived, but he’s never forgotten how close he came to disaster.

Even with safety rules in place, his story shows that roadside work in towns like Danbury, Middletown, and New Haven is just plain dangerous. CTDOT says crews and contractors get hit or have close calls almost every day, somewhere in the state.

It doesn’t matter if it’s the busy corridors through Bridgeport or the quieter stretches near Glastonbury—these incidents keep happening.

The “Slow Down, Move Over” Law

Connecticut law says drivers must slow down and move over a lane—if they can—when they see stopped emergency or maintenance vehicles on the shoulder. It’s not just a nice thing to do; it’s the law.

Colonel Daniel Loughman from the Connecticut State Police recently said they’re going to crack down harder because violations are up. He didn’t mince words: ignoring this law puts people’s lives at risk, whether you’re in Stamford, Waterbury, or anywhere else.

A Troubling Pattern of Dangerous Driving

There was a crash in Westport on I-95 that really drove the point home. An SUV with a trailer hit a tow truck that was already there helping after another accident.

No one got badly hurt, but it could have gone the other way in a heartbeat.

The Role of Distracted Driving

It’s not just about speeding or skipping lanes. Distracted driving is making things worse.

Fire and towing officials say drivers use their phones to film crash scenes, which just adds to the danger. CT Fire Police Association president John Lyon and towing manager Dave Fultz have both had close calls—sometimes even getting struck—by people too busy recording to pay attention.

Fultz calls it “unsettling.” He thinks a lot of drivers have “lost humanity with each other.”

People seem more interested in getting a video for social media than keeping others safe. It’s frustrating, honestly.

Enforcing Safety to Save Lives

State transportation leaders and law enforcement in cities like Norwalk and Meriden are ramping up awareness campaigns. They want people to actually understand the law and help keep emergency responders, tow operators, and highway crews safer.

Officials keep saying the law applies to everyone, whether you’re heading to work in Hartford or driving out toward New London. It’s not just about dodging a ticket—it’s about real lives on the line.

Key Takeaways for Connecticut Drivers

If you spot flashing lights or a stopped service vehicle on the shoulder, here’s what you should do:

Slow down right away—drop your speed by a few miles per hour.
Move over a lane if you can. Give the workers some room.
Stay off your phone. Don’t record, text, or call while you drive past a crash.
Stay alert and watch the road ahead for any hazards.
Respect roadside workers. It might sound obvious, but their lives depend on your attention.

Changing Driver Behavior—A Community Effort

Changing the culture on Connecticut’s highways takes more than just strict enforcement. It also needs real public commitment from everyone out there.

Honestly, every town—from Southington to Fairfield—can make a difference. Just spreading awareness or reminding friends and family about their legal responsibilities can help.

The next time you spot a roadside scene, pause for a second. Think about Bert Jameson and others standing out there, putting themselves at risk to keep our roads safe.

Let’s be real—their safety depends on your choices behind the wheel. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s literally in your hands every time you drive.

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Here is the source article for this story: ‘It’s unsettling’: Roadside crashes continue to endanger first responders

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