More than 35,000 people die each year in traffic crashes, and there’s no doubt that number would be higher if there was not 911 to call when a crash happens. This is one of the reasons that the National 911 Program is housed in NHTSA’s Office of Emergency Medical Services. Another reason: when you call 911, it’s just not about 911 telecommunicators providing help over the phone, but often getting help to your location. 

Speaking of 911 telecommunicators, now is the time to tell them thanks — it’s National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week. This year’s celebration starts April 10 and runs through April 16. National 911 organizations and federal agencies are all recognizing the role of 911 with a variety of ideas, like 911 Tree of Life, CISA, and sending messages on social mediaREAD MORE