Pull to the Right
By John Carter on April 6, 2012, 3:42pm
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Well lets just get this out of the way before I start anything.
Connecticut state statute 14-283(e)
(e) Upon the immediate approach of an emergency vehicle making use of such an audible warning signal device and such visible flashing or revolving lights or of any state or local police vehicle properly and lawfully making use of an audible warning signal device only, the operator of every other vehicle in the immediate vicinity shall immediately drive to a position parallel to, and as close as possible to, the right-hand edge or curb of the roadway clear of any intersection and shall stop and remain in such position until the emergency vehicle has passed, except when otherwise directed by a state or local police officer or a firefighter.
Ok with that out of the way with summer heat approaching lets do a little refreshing.
In Connecticut like many other states drivers must grant the right of way to emergency vehicles when warning devices are activated. In an article from Fire Engineering and from statistics compiled by the NFPA National Fire Protection Agency. In 2010 there were 72 (LODD) line of duty deaths of fire fighters both carrier and volunteer alike. Of the 72 18 of them were from fire apparatus crashes with other vehicles civilian and department vehicles. Note I didn't I didn't list the number of civilian deaths. In the article from the magazine apparatus crashes were the second leading cause of LODD in the past three decades. Think about that for a minute that's a husband or wife not going home to their family.Even now it just might be some one's son or daughter not coming home.
I can speak from experience of the lame brained things drivers have done. Everything from freezing in place to trying to beet the fire truck to their turn. Remember some fire trucks carry 500 gallons or more of water that equals out to at the least 3,200 pounds of weight moving around. That's the weight of most cars.
Speaking of cars when your driving in yours and you have the windows up the AC cranked and radio blasting guess what. Behind you is a fire truck ambulance or police car responding to an emergency. Today cars are built so well to keep outside noise from being heard that its actually more dangerous then good in my opinion.
So when your driving and see an emergency vehicle pull to the right as quickly and safely as possible the emergency they are responding to may be someone you know or even a family member. Remember when you do pull to the right come to a complete STOP and let them pass. When they do pass don't pull out directly behind them for a bunch or reasons. One more than likely there is another emergency not too far behind the one that passed. Two look for other vehicles who may have pulled next to you or in front of you. Three the most important double checking in all directions assures its safe to proceed.
About a week ago I was talking with a local fire captain about his thoughts he he was quick to answer "just pull to the right" that's all we ask. While responding to emergencies whether its a medical, car wreck , or a building fire there are so many things going thru responders minds. First and foremost is everyone goes to the call safely and everyone returns safely.
So put down the cell phones stop reading the emails and lower the radio. For that emergency vehicle that just went by you going to an emergency call has more than the lives at the other end of the 911 call. The lives of the responders and yours as well are at stake so be aware of your surroundings keep safe distances from all vehicles and drive with your head up ! The lives that you are saving are the responders as well as your own.
Have a safe and happy summer and remember to check your batteries in you CO and smoke detectors monthly.
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