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Civilian drivers or Confused Idiot's
What is it about civilian drivers. It seems that the minute we get our drivers license's we forget all the rules that keep traffic moving smoothly. Reacently while responding to a MVA( with lights and sieren) I came to a complete stop at an intersection verified that I had control of said intersection and began to proceed. Thank god I was paying attention as a driver dicieded to pass the vehicle to my left. The driver then proceeded to flip me the universal hello as I hit the Airhorn. I think that the OFPC needs to put together a public service anouncment aimed at reminding drivers that when bieng approched either from the front or the rear by an emergencey vehicle that you aree to move to the side and come to a complete STOP.
How often have we all watched a driver pull to the shoulder and slow down but keep on moving. A related incident reacently ocured to one of our paid firefighters while responding to a victim chocking. As he approched the driveway of the residence a driver pulled to the side and proceeded to move blocking the driveway. I just wish the confused idiots behind the wheel would simply obey the laws of the road.
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4 Comments
At 2:03am on October 31st, 2007, RescueEngine4 said…
I know in CT it is state law that upon the notification of an emergency vehicle, whether it be by sirens or lights, you are required to pull to the right and stop. And as we all know that never works.
However sometimes it can be a burden. We run on a limited access highway where we always have MVA's. It is a 2 lane each way "Parkway" and when responding to a call through traffic with no shoulder and no median it becomes tough. We prefer to "Part the sea" having cars in the left lane pull left and the cars in the right lane pull right, this allows the chauffer to know that the drivers have acknowledged the fact an Engine is coming and are yielding and he can proceed right down the center of the roadway. However many times people try to do the "right" thing and pull to the right from the left lane completely screwing up our path of travel. But what can you do. They are doing what they are supposed to do
Now if we could just get Cops to stop parking in front of hydrants at fire scenes I think we might be OKDelete Comment
At 12:24pm on October 31st, 2007, Peter Lupkowski said…
There's a safety video that the RCMP put out a year or two ago that could be used as a public service announcement. If I can find the info I'll get it to you.
In other words it's the same all over brother.Delete Comment
At 7:55pm on November 2nd, 2007, Mary Ellen Shea said…
As I read this, I got to thinking that I can't remember seeing or hearing any kind of public service reminder about pulling over for Fire or Ambulance, at least not in recent history. I was driving with a friend of mine last week and we heard the siren behind us so we moved over to the right lane and then over to the breakdown because the traffic was pretty heavy. The driver behind us threw a fit of epic proportions because we were "in her way" leaning on her horn and swearing like a sailor, completely oblivious to the BA fire truck trying to maneuver around her ---we were near the mall, must have been some important sale going at Macy's. Do you remember when you were a kid sitting in the back seat, and you'd hear the siren and ALL TRAFFIC would immediately clear the road for them? I haven't seen that in a long time.
I think it might be a good topic to discuss with one of our committees, thanksDelete Comment
At 7:14pm on November 3rd, 2007, Jasen Erick said…
Here is the New York State Traffic Law as it reads:
§ 1144. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.
(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle other than a police vehicle or bicycle when operated as an authorized emergency vehicle, and when audible signals are sounded from any said vehicle by siren, exhaust whistle, bell, air-horn or electronic equivalent; the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, or to either edge of a one-way roadway three or more lanes in width, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with reasonable care for all persons using the highway.
That basicly means pull over and STOP.
How often have we all watched a driver pull to the shoulder and slow down but keep on moving. A related incident reacently ocured to one of our paid firefighters while responding to a victim chocking. As he approched the driveway of the residence a driver pulled to the side and proceeded to move blocking the driveway. I just wish the confused idiots behind the wheel would simply obey the laws of the road.
Share
4 Comments
At 2:03am on October 31st, 2007, RescueEngine4 said…
I know in CT it is state law that upon the notification of an emergency vehicle, whether it be by sirens or lights, you are required to pull to the right and stop. And as we all know that never works.
However sometimes it can be a burden. We run on a limited access highway where we always have MVA's. It is a 2 lane each way "Parkway" and when responding to a call through traffic with no shoulder and no median it becomes tough. We prefer to "Part the sea" having cars in the left lane pull left and the cars in the right lane pull right, this allows the chauffer to know that the drivers have acknowledged the fact an Engine is coming and are yielding and he can proceed right down the center of the roadway. However many times people try to do the "right" thing and pull to the right from the left lane completely screwing up our path of travel. But what can you do. They are doing what they are supposed to do
Now if we could just get Cops to stop parking in front of hydrants at fire scenes I think we might be OKDelete Comment
At 12:24pm on October 31st, 2007, Peter Lupkowski said…
There's a safety video that the RCMP put out a year or two ago that could be used as a public service announcement. If I can find the info I'll get it to you.
In other words it's the same all over brother.Delete Comment
At 7:55pm on November 2nd, 2007, Mary Ellen Shea said…
As I read this, I got to thinking that I can't remember seeing or hearing any kind of public service reminder about pulling over for Fire or Ambulance, at least not in recent history. I was driving with a friend of mine last week and we heard the siren behind us so we moved over to the right lane and then over to the breakdown because the traffic was pretty heavy. The driver behind us threw a fit of epic proportions because we were "in her way" leaning on her horn and swearing like a sailor, completely oblivious to the BA fire truck trying to maneuver around her ---we were near the mall, must have been some important sale going at Macy's. Do you remember when you were a kid sitting in the back seat, and you'd hear the siren and ALL TRAFFIC would immediately clear the road for them? I haven't seen that in a long time.
I think it might be a good topic to discuss with one of our committees, thanksDelete Comment
At 7:14pm on November 3rd, 2007, Jasen Erick said…
Here is the New York State Traffic Law as it reads:
§ 1144. Operation of vehicles on approach of authorized emergency vehicles.
(a) Upon the immediate approach of an authorized emergency vehicle equipped with at least one lighted lamp exhibiting red light visible under normal atmospheric conditions from a distance of five hundred feet to the front of such vehicle other than a police vehicle or bicycle when operated as an authorized emergency vehicle, and when audible signals are sounded from any said vehicle by siren, exhaust whistle, bell, air-horn or electronic equivalent; the driver of every other vehicle shall yield the right of way and shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway, or to either edge of a one-way roadway three or more lanes in width, clear of any intersection, and shall stop and remain in such position until the authorized emergency vehicle has passed, unless otherwise directed by a police officer.
(b) This section shall not operate to relieve the driver of an authorized emergency vehicle from the duty to drive with reasonable care for all persons using the highway.
That basicly means pull over and STOP.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Art "ChiefReason" Goodrich on
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Sunday nite last, we had a strange storm go through and the overpass at our exit became very slick, sending cars off the road as soon as they got to the overpass. Our department got dispatched and they parked off of the road, set up traffic control because we only had one cop. Well, when our flag man slowed the cars, they would speed up again as soon as they got by him. Unfortunate for them, they sped up in time to hit the slick overpass, lose control and wreck. There were NINE accidents in a span of about 10 minutes. The last wreck was a young woman with two children who decided to speed up after she got by our flag man, lose control of her vehicle, send my chief and another firefighter diving into the ditch and hitting the back end of our rescue truck. Thank God, everyone only received minor injuries. Long story short, she was going to receive tickets for too fast for conditions, failure to have her youngest properly restrained in a child's seat and she was being cited under Scott's Law for hitting our rescue truck. And she will be charged by us for extricating her and her children and her insurance company will pay to fix our rescue truck. And she owes my two firefighters for clean underwear.
I have preached for many years to my guys that they never take their eye off of the traffic and this time, it paid off. They saw her and dove out of the way, just in time.
And as I said, I am thankful for the outcome, but she will deserve everything she gets.
TCSS.
Art
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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That really chaps my hide that it's 2008 and people still don't properly restrain their children in vehicles! I lost count of how many people I've had arrested for that over the years. And Art as you know, the reason that we here in Illinois have Scott's Law is because of drivers like the woman you mentioned. (R.I.P. Lt. Scott Gillen, Chicago F.D.) Sorry, just needed to vent. Luckily it's been a few years since I've had a close call like that at a scene. I'll save that story for another time. Stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
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Even sadder is that in 2008 we still need to educate firefighters about seatbelts even after we've cleaned up the mess of unrestrained adults and children!!!
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I believe that the most recent LODD was a tanker rollover and the unrestrained driver. Please correct me if that is not the case. I remember that it was a 90 degree curve and the tanker went off of the curve and struck a tree.
I also wanted to update you on our close call on the interstate.
I drafted a letter to my state representative so that it could be read on the House floor. Our legislators need to understand that the message on moving over and slowing down isn't getting it done. More needs to be done. I outlined a series of corrective actions in my letter and rest assured, it will be shared with Don's colleagues. I have no intentions of waiting for something to get done. I am going to get it done. One way or another; we are going to increase the safety for our crews who respond to busy roadways.
If motorists can't or won't do it on their own, then I will show them the way.
TCSS.
Art
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Going into Peoria today, trooper had a vehicle pulled over, he could be seen from a mile out and this IDIOT in the right lane-I was in the left-had to wait until he got right up on the cop car to pull to the left lane. I just don't get it. He had all kinds of room and opportunity to pull over well ahead of the scene, yet chose to wait. I honestly thought he wasn't going to get over at all.
I have contacted my state representative and encouraged him to make this come to light on the floor of the house to get something done.
The IDIOTS just aren't getting it and someone else will be killed as a result.
TCSS.
Art
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Permalink Reply by Kimberly A Bownas on
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I have had the same problem with people in their vehicles, either they pullover but don't stop or I make my stop at an intersection and make sure that I am clear to proceed, and there is at least one idiot who comes out of know were and thinks he is going to get by me. It makes me sometimes rethink driving the rigs. Then I remember why I became a driver..
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I witnessed the same thing today. They drive right up behind the police car and then turn on their turn signal and try to get over. And you could see the traffic stop from 1/2 a mile back! I also witnessed a police car with lights and siren blaring, stop at a red light while several cars slowed almost to a stop then proceeded to drive right across the nose of the police car as it tried to cross the intersection, nearly hitting the police car!! As luck would have it, I was not in a position to get their license plate numbers. I would have loved to have passed them along to that P.D. Stay safe!
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Permalink Reply by Greenman on
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After reading The Secret List email I received this morning regarding the two Cherry Hill, NJ, EMS personnel who were struck from behind by a driver who went around barriers on the shoulder of the roadway, a thought came to mind. Do any Fire Departments, or the Police they work with ever place "Stop Sticks" or other hollow spike vehicle stopping devices at on the shoulders where traffic is stopped at an incident scene?
Here in Korea, the Security Guards at the base entrance use them in lanes which are closed to prevent cars from entering those lanes. I see them used in High-speed chases on "World's Scariest..."all the time.
If the Police, Fire Police, or even if the FD placed these on the shoulders, any driver who ran over them would immediately suffer one, or more, flat tires and would not be able to strike FFs, EMS, Police or victims on the scene.
The version I'm thinking of here are the hollow spikes on a strip enclosed by a 3-inch high triangular cardboard tube, with the word "STOP" and chevrons in highly reflective material to let motorists and later-responding units see it, even at night. Of course they would also be set-up behind a traffic cone, or similar barricade.
Just an idea...
GM
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G-Man:
I like the way you think.
Stop sticks.
Brilliant!
Note to order some.
TCSS.
Art
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Permalink Reply by Bob Kinne on
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We tried to get a couple of tazers included in our last grant but the chief just shook his head and told us to grow up !!!
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