What To Do When You Encounter a Crash or Fire Scene: Officials Urge Drivers to Slow Down and Stay Back
Published: March 18th, 2026
DAKOTA COUNTY, MN: As emergency crews continue to respond to crashes, fires, and emergency situations across the south metro, a growing and dangerous trend is putting first responders, victims, other personnel, and emergency equipment at risk: drivers ignoring road closures and attempting to drive through active emergency scenes. In multiple recent incidents, vehicles have been seen driving around fire trucks and squad cars, crossing double yellow lines into oncoming lanes, and even weaving between cones directly into emergency scenes, actions that can have serious, expensive, and sometimes deadly consequences.
Public safety officials say the message is simple: if the road is blocked, it is blocked for a reason.
Why Emergency Scenes Are Fully Blocked
When police, fire, and EMS crews shut down a roadway, they do so only after careful consideration. These scenes are carefully controlled to protect:
Victims receiving medical care
Firefighters and paramedics are working the scene
Law enforcement is conducting investigations
Protecting hoses running to and from fire hydrants and fire trucks
Tow operators are clearing damaged vehicles
Utility crews handling hazards like downed power lines or fuel spills, etc
Even a single unauthorized vehicle entering the scene can disrupt lifesaving efforts or cause additional injuries.
Officials are urging drivers to follow these critical steps:
1. Slow Down Immediately
As soon as you see flashing lights, reduce your speed. Minnesota law requires drivers to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles.
2. Do NOT Drive Around Blockades
Never go around squad cars, fire trucks, or cones, even if it appears there is space. These barriers are intentionally placed to secure the scene.
3. Do NOT Cross Double Yellow Lines
Crossing into oncoming traffic to bypass a crash scene is illegal and extremely dangerous. Unless directed by an officer or emergency official.
4. Follow Detours or Turn Around
If a road is closed, find an alternate route. GPS systems may not immediately reflect closures, so rely on posted detours or turn around safely.
5. Stay Back and Be Patient
Emergency scenes take time. Crews are working as quickly and safely as possible.
The Risks of Ignoring Road Closures
Driving into an active crash scene can:
Put first responders at risk of being struck
Can damage equipment used by emergency personnel to fight fires or get victims out of vehicles
Delay critical medical care for victims
Interfere with crash investigations
Lead to additional crashes or injuries
Result in citations or even criminal charges
In some cases, drivers who ignore closures can be cited for reckless driving or interfering with emergency personnel.
A Message from First Responders
Emergency crews across Dakota County are reminding the public that these situations are not inconveniences; they are active, often high-risk incidents.
Every cone, squad car, and fire engine is placed with purpose.
If you see emergency vehicles blocking the road, your job is to stop, turn around, and give crews the space they need to do their jobs safely.
The Bottom Line
Crash scenes are unpredictable and dangerous environments. The safest and most responsible action drivers can take is simple:
Slow down
Stay back
Find another route
By respecting emergency scenes, drivers play a critical role in protecting both responders and those involved in the crash.
Written By: Will Wight
