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Jacksonville First Responders Say Distracted Drivers Are Rolling Roadblocks
Jun15
Posted by The Law Firm of Pajcic & Pajcic in Car Accidents
Statistics on the dangers of distracted driving and the number of car accidents caused by driver inattention each year have been splashed all over billboards, news stations and social media. But many drivers don’t realize that when they are distracted behind the wheel, they’re not just putting themselves and those in the immediate area at risk. They may also prevent many firefighters, paramedics and other first responders from doing their jobs – which include saving lives.
Florida law requires motorists to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles that are approaching with lights and sirens running, or that are parked on the side of the roadway with their lights flashing. However, many Florida drivers seem unaware of the law, according to a Tampa Tribune article.
Motorists whose attention is focused on cell phones or other in-car distractions may fail to notice an emergency vehicle for several seconds, wasting precious time that could make the difference between life and death.
A recent investigation by News4Jax found that many drivers failed to yield to fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles that were approaching with their lights and sirens running. The news station worked with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue teams to place small video cameras in emergency vehicles, then examined the resulting footage
What they found were repeated instances in which drivers failed to notice the emergency vehicle or respond to it quickly, even when they had the space to move out of the way. At one intersection on San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin, six cars blocked a fire department vehicle trying to turn left. At an intersection on Baymeadows Road, seven other cars did the same thing, despite the fact that the fire engine recording the scene had its lights and sirens turned on at the time.
Although each recorded delay lasted only a few seconds, they add up, firefighters told News4Jax. When first responders are even one or two minutes later than they could have been, the results can be devastating. For instance, a house fire may double in size every 30 seconds. A person having a heart attack may have only a minute or two to receive CPR to save his or her life.
Drivers can help reduce the problem by simply avoiding distractions and staying alert as they drive. Put away cell phones, turn down the music and look for emergency vehicle lights or sirens. The moment you see or hear one, pull to the right and slow down or stop. You could help save a life.
Florida law requires motorists to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles that are approaching with lights and sirens running, or that are parked on the side of the roadway with their lights flashing. However, many Florida drivers seem unaware of the law, according to a Tampa Tribune article.
Motorists whose attention is focused on cell phones or other in-car distractions may fail to notice an emergency vehicle for several seconds, wasting precious time that could make the difference between life and death.
A recent investigation by News4Jax found that many drivers failed to yield to fire trucks, ambulances and police vehicles that were approaching with their lights and sirens running. The news station worked with Jacksonville Fire and Rescue teams to place small video cameras in emergency vehicles, then examined the resulting footage
What they found were repeated instances in which drivers failed to notice the emergency vehicle or respond to it quickly, even when they had the space to move out of the way. At one intersection on San Jose Boulevard in Mandarin, six cars blocked a fire department vehicle trying to turn left. At an intersection on Baymeadows Road, seven other cars did the same thing, despite the fact that the fire engine recording the scene had its lights and sirens turned on at the time.
Although each recorded delay lasted only a few seconds, they add up, firefighters told News4Jax. When first responders are even one or two minutes later than they could have been, the results can be devastating. For instance, a house fire may double in size every 30 seconds. A person having a heart attack may have only a minute or two to receive CPR to save his or her life.
Drivers can help reduce the problem by simply avoiding distractions and staying alert as they drive. Put away cell phones, turn down the music and look for emergency vehicle lights or sirens. The moment you see or hear one, pull to the right and slow down or stop. You could help save a life.