AMU Emergency Management Opinion Public Safety

‘Move Over Laws’ Being Implemented for the Safety of Emergency Response Vehicles

It has been common practice in the past to pull over and get out of the way when you are driving and see emergency lights and/or hear audible sirens. Recently, drivers have been ignoring this and continuing with their commute.

States are starting to notice, and, in response, are implementing “move over laws” that will fine and even potentially jail those who refuse the right-of-way to emergency response vehicles.

Connecticut is a perfect example of this. A fire chief in Danielson, CT recently [link url=”http://www.norwichbulletin.com/news/20160820/fire-chiefs-fewer-following-law-to-get-out-of-way-of-emergency-responders” title=”vented his frustrations”] about the Danielson populous. A spike in right-of-way incidents in the last few years in that region, Chief Gerry Marcheterre said, has shown that drivers seem to be in much more of a hurry and are not pulling over for fire trucks.

What is being done?

[link url=”http://www.moveoveramerica.com/” title=”Move Over America”] started an initiative that should help to educate Americans on the importance of moving over for emergency response vehicles. The organization references a national poll, conducted by Mason Dixon Polling and Research, that found 86 percent support in enacting a move over law in all 50 states. In total, 43 states have now passed move over laws.

What you should be doing

Try and understand the position emergency personnel are in. The main objective is to respond to an incident as safely and quickly as possible, because even seconds can potentially be the difference between life and death.

Not focusing on the road or surroundings could result in law and safety officials arriving late to a scene or, while they are on a scene on the side of the road, could even result in injury or death. Although many have excuses for rushing to get to work or an appointment, it’s important to focus on the fact that emergency responders are likely responding to something much more important.

Rules for emergency response personnel

Certain rules must be followed by emergency response personnel, as well. For example, firefighter personnel must have a specified amount of driving hours before they are able to respond to real world emergencies. Also, all fire department vehicles must be outfitted in reflective striping, per National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1901. This reflective striping must be affixed to the vehicle in a manner that covers at least 50 percent of the cab.

Moving forward

We must as a community understand just how important it is to yield to emergency response personnel. Put yourself in the position of a person in distress who needs medical attention or getting robbed, for example. Wouldn’t you want medical or law enforcement assistance as quick as possible?

To make it short and sweet: Move over, because next time it could be you.

[link url=”https://apps.usfa.fema.gov/firefighter-fatalities/” title=”Be safe.”]

 

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