No car accident is a good accident but when those who are supposed help accident victims become victims themselves, the consequences can be severe. Keep reading to learn more about the increase in car and truck accidents with first responders. If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 now for your free legal consultation.
A Disturbing Press Release from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Also known as NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has issued a press release drawing attention to a scary trend across the United States. In several different states, drivers who failed to move over ended up causing accidents with emergency responder vehicles.
In fact, the NHTSA finds that in just the first three months in 2019, 15 police troopers or vehicles were hit in Illinois alone. Two state troopers lost their lives in these accidents. Compared to the year before, the number of accidents involving first responders is double the numbers in 2018 – and that’s just the first three months. Similar numbers are being found in other states.
How to Keep First Responders Safe on the Road
One of the top causes of death for on-duty first responders is traffic-related accidents. If you are driving and you see red flashing lights, move over and slow down. Ensure that you give them as much room as possible to do their job safely. Do not drive distracted. Do not take your eyes off the road. Check your mirrors regularly, and be sure your music is at a low enough volume that you can hear sirens approaching.
If You Are Not Moving Over Then You Are Breaking the Law
Every state in the country requires that drivers slow down and move over when they see flashing lights behind them or in front of them. In California, drivers are also required to move over for flashing amber lights, such as those roadside workers use. If you see any flashing light on the road, you should slow down and move over a lane if possible. If it is not safe for you to do so, slow down so that first responders or roadway workers can get around you.
The Best Thing You Can Do to Prevent Accidents with First Responders is to Not Drive Distracted
Ensuring that you get over for emergency personnel is essential but it is also important to make sure that you are not driving while distracted. Doing so can result in not realizing there are emergency personnel behind or in front of you, or can make it hard for you to get over to a safe area. If you have music on, do not turn it up so loud that you would not hear others around you.
If you have been involved in a car accident and need a free legal case evaluation, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 right away.
