Few are the days in north Alabama that drivers don’t come upon a fender bender, wreck or even a major accident. Our roads are more congested than ever, construction sites and delays are booming, and drivers have myriad distractions available to take their attention from the road.

The result of all of this is that our first responders — law enforcement, fire fighters and medical personnel — are increasingly on the sides of our roads, and increasingly in harm’s way themselves as they respond to the needs of others.

The week of Nov. 13-17 presents us with a moment to reflect on these dangerous situations as we recognize Crash Responder Safety Week, an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.

This important enterprise is designed to raise public awareness and help keep fire fighters, other first responders and the general public safe.

Not many of us would jump at the chance to spend a few hours on the side of Alabama’s I-65, but these men and women do exactly that as they work to save lives day-in and day-out.

Too often, this work claims the life of a first responder — nearly one life each week in our nation — and many other suffer life-threatening injuries themselves while attending to those involved in traffic accidents.

The International Association of Fire Fighters has long urged the public to use extreme caution while driving near traffic accidents, and this week especially they ask us to do our parts in recognizing the concern.

Allow first responders the space and safety they need to work when you come upon an accident.

Slow down, move over and stay alert.