The Grand County Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to give roadside responders and stopped motorists room as the Colorado county recognizes November 2–6, 2026, as Crash Responder Safety Week. The reminder was issued in a November 3, 2026 release.
According to the release, the Grand County Board of County Commissioners approved the proclamation at its October 20, 2026 meeting. Sheriff Brett Schroetlin and Grand County EMS Chief Austin Wingate brought it forward.
The reminder includes stopped passenger vehicles
The sheriff’s release describes Colorado’s Slow Down, Move Over law as requiring drivers approaching qualifying stopped vehicles displaying emergency, warning or hazard lights to move over at least one lane when possible and safe. If moving over is not possible, drivers must reduce speed and proceed with due care and caution, the release says.
The office specifically notes that these protections extend beyond emergency vehicles to passenger vehicles displaying hazard lights.
What the sheriff asks drivers to do
The office gives motorists four practical reminders:
- Watch for flashing lights, stopped vehicles, responders and changing traffic conditions.
- Move over safely to give roadside responders and stopped motorists room.
- Reduce speed when a safe move is not possible, adjusting further as conditions require.
- Keep attention on the road and follow responders’ directions.
The release identifies law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel, safety service patrol operators, Colorado Department of Transportation and public works crews, and tow operators among those working along the roads. It warns that speeding, impairment, fatigue and distraction put responders and the people they are helping at risk.
Source: Grand County’s November 3, 2026 release. The October proclamation date, November announcement date and November 2–6 recognition week are separate; this report concerns the safety reminder, not a particular crash or enforcement result.
