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Changes in the rules about how we approach and drive by traffic incidents have met some success in reducing the number of injuries and fatalities among crash scene responders. But there is still a danger to those whose job is to help.
During this Crash Responder Safety Week, Mountain State residents are reminded to move over, slow down, avoid distraction and expect the unexpected. For fire and rescue, emergency medical services, highway maintenance, towing and recovery and public works employees, sticking to those rules could be a life-saver.
“Our traffic incident responders answer the call in all conditions on roadways across West Virginia,” said Jack McNeely, director of the Governor's Highway Safety Program. “When emergency personnel are working on the roadside, they deserve our full attention and respect. Every driver has a responsibility to slow down, move over, and stay alert so these dedicated men and women can return home safely to their families at the end of their shift.”
In one way or another, the people risking their lives on our roadways are doing so because they are serving the rest of us. Whether it be road construction crews dealing with distracted, frustrated or just plain lead-footed drivers; or firefighters and police officers trying to attend to victims at a crash scene while drivers ignore the rules about changing lanes and slowing down, these folks have to rely on us.
“When our crew is working a crash scene, vehicles passing at high speeds within inches of us is a constant hazard,” said a representative from the Barboursville Volunteer Fire Department. “We ask every West Virginian to protect the people who are protecting you -- slow down and give us room to work.”
Though this week gives us a chance to issue an extra reminder, that should be common sense all year round. Pay attention, follow the rules, give them a chance to do their jobs safely.