Recently, we have been sharing messages about highway safety, reminding motorists to slow down and move over for emergency responders.
Too often, the response is, "I can't believe people don't see all those flashing lights."
The truth is, they do see them and some simply don't care.
Last week, our personnel were directing traffic around the scene of a motor vehicle accident on a rural two-lane roadway. A responder was standing in the middle of the travel lane with hands raised, surrounded by emergency vehicles with flashing lights, attempting to stop traffic for everyone's safety. Rather than stop, a driver intentionally drove through a yard to bypass our responder and continue on their way.
We also respond regularly to incidents on the Route 30 Bypass, one of the most dangerous roadways our members operate on. Despite blocked lanes, emergency lighting, fire apparatus, police vehicles, and warning signs, motorists continue to drive through incident scenes at highway speeds. Many become angry with responders because of the inconvenience of a delay measured in minutes.
Last night, a Pennsylvania State Police vehicle and a fire police vehicle were struck while operating on the Route 30 Bypass. Thankfully, today we are not reporting serious injuries or fatalities. The next time may not end the same way.
There is nothing so important that it justifies risking the life of a police officer, firefighter, EMS provider, tow operator, highway worker, or emergency responder. Every one of us deserves to return home to our families after serving our community.
When you see flashing lights:
Slow Down. Move Over. Pay Attention.
A few seconds of patience could save a life. |
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