FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
"Go Right for Sirens and Lights"
People often ask us what the hardest part about being an
emergency worker is. Our answer: "The hardest part is "Getting
There".
With the advent of new sound-proof cars,
high-decibel stereo systems, cell phones, and unfortunately, drivers who simply
don't care about anyone but themselves, the idea of getting to an emergency
scene fast is very difficult. Many times we are often faced with drivers
who can't see or hear us, for one reason or another. This creates an
incredibly frustrating situation for the emergency vehicle driver, as they weave
their way through traffic.
Ohio law is clear that on approach of
an emergency vehicle with emergency lights and siren activated, all vehicles on
or near the road will yield to the emergency vehicle by pulling as far to the
right as possible, while COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, until such time as the
emergency vehicle has passed. This law also applies to pedestrians.
They too must yield completely to such vehicles.
We are baffled
by the lack of respect by drivers on the roadway, related to emergency
vehicles. It would be everyone's hope that in their hour of need, others
would yield the way for emergency workers to get to them. But this is not
always the case. In fact, we have recently witnessed other vehicles trying
to pass those who have pulled off the road for fire, police, and EMS
vehicles. Apparently, these drivers wanted to use the chance to "get
ahead" of the other drivers, before finally pulling off the road.
The
next time you see or hear an emergency vehicle approaching your vehicles, we ask
that you move to the right, and stop completely, until the vehicle passes.
Remember, more vehicles may be shortly behind the first, so stay alert.
Thank you helping us help others.
For More Information Contact:
Chardon Fire Department
110 S. Hambden St. Chardon, OH 44024
Tel: 440-285-4665
FAX: 440-285-8320
Internet: Capt. John Blauch, Webmaster
