The Virginia State Police run civilian guys (retired cops I think) in a unit called the Motorist Assistance Program. Great program and they assist with disabled motorists and at accident scenes in the major traffic areas of Virginia. These are hard working folks that will change your tire (4 wheelers only), give you some fuel, arrange for a tow and simply risk their life on the interstate while doing it for minimal pay. I think most are part-time and retirement jobs for these guys ....again low pay and probably no (minimal, if any) benefts. Please move over or slow down as you pass these hard workers.


Now to the rest of the story.....here is a pic my g/f snapped of a Motorist Assist Officer that needed some assistance...........luckily he was uninjured.
Might need to click on it to make it a bit larger.
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Are you saying that the motorist assistance guy backed up to far?

 

My standard rule of thumb was to slow down, and move over if at all possible. I've had two pre-schoolers run out from between two parked cars, into the middle of my lane. As you're approaching any vehicle on the shoulder, you can generally look under it and see feet in front of it. But, most especially, WATCH FOR KIDS.

There are a number of areas that have the motorist assist programs. Allentown, PA, Chicago... I'd heard that in Chicago, they are off-duty police officers that volunteer for it. I also heard they do not get paid for it.

Seems that there are always drivers that "take aim" at flashing lights.

 

Drunk drivers are good at aiming for the flashing lights.......................I don't know why, but they are and they do.

 

The danger exists on any road, not just the busiest.
I worked as a volunteer first responder most of my life, and have experienced many "close calls" and sometimes even on a large scene, people are rubbernecking and see only what they want to see.

Another natural mechanism is to steer where you are looking. It's a subconscious effort to steer where your eyes focus. It may not seem like much, but it will catch some drivers, drifting into the scene, rather than away from it.

 

It's guilt.

I learned everything you can imagine on the subject, from my Italian Mom. She was an artist. :thumbsup:... for some reason I feel bad for saying that.